US-Israel-Iran war: PM Modi and Trump hold crucial talks on West Asia crisis and Strait of Hormuz

An Iranian source told CNN on Tuesday that there has been recent communication between the United States and Tehran, with Iran open to considering “sustainable” proposals to bring the war to an end. According to the source, the outreach was initiated by Washington but has not yet developed into formal negotiations. Messages have been exchanged through various intermediaries to explore whether a potential agreement to end the conflict is possible.

Israeli Air Force is investigating the failure to shoot down an Iranian ballistic missile that hit Tel Aviv this morning. Israel says it carried a conventional warhead, lightly injured four people, and caused extensive infrastructure damage

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of "national energy emergency" on Tuesday, citing risks to the domestic fuel supply and energy stability created by the Middle East war.

Rubio to meet G7 ministers in France on Iran Friday: State Department

Israel's military on Tuesday said it had conducted a large number of airstrikes in several areas of Iran, including the central city of Isfahan.

Qatar Tuesday said the Middle East war had stretched the Gulf states' security system beyond breaking point as Iran presses its aerial campaign against neighbouring countries.

Lebanon has revoked its approval for Iran’s designated ambassador and ordered him to leave the country by March 29, Lebanon’s LBCI reported.

CNN reports that overnight, Iran launched 'seven waves of missiles at Israel in less than 10 hours'
 

“In this situation of crisis, the safety of Indians around the world is of the utmost priority for us. More than 3,75,000 Indians have safely returned to India to date. More than 1000 Indians have returned from Iran alone; of these, more than 700 are medical students. In this hour of crisis, our Govt is working with full sensitivity. All countries have assured the safety of Indians there. However, it is unfortunate that a few Indians died and a few others were injured in the attacks. Affected families are being given all necessary help. Quality treatment of the injured is being ensured,” PM Narendra Modi said in Rajya Sabha.

In the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, "I have spoken to the Heads of States of most of the West Asian countries twice. We are in continuous communication with all Gulf countries. We are also in communication with Iran, Israel and US. Our goal is the reinstatement of peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. We have also spoken to them about de-escalation and the opening of Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on commercial ships and obstruction in an international sea route like the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable. India has opposed attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure, and infrastructure related to energy and transport. India is making continuous efforts for the safe passage of Indian ships even in these times of war. For a solution to this crisis, India has suggested dialogue. Threat on anyone's life in this war is not in the interest of humankind. So, India's efforts have been to encourage all parties for peaceful solutions."

PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday said, "About 1 crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries. Safeguarding their life and livelihoods is a matter of great concern for India. Several ships are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Indian crew members are stuck on those ships in large numbers. This too is a cause of major concern for India. In such a difficult situation, it is important that India's Upper House sends out a united voice of peace and dialogue."

In the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi says, "It has been more than 3 weeks since the war in West Asia started. The war has caused a serious energy crisis in the world. For India, too, this situation is concerning. The war has impacted our trade routes. With this, the routine supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers has been affected."

While speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (March 24, 2026) over the ongoing West Asia war, PM Modi called for de-escalation and reopening of Hormuz.

Israel launched air attacks across Lebanon, targeting residential areas and critical infrastructure. During the attack, Hermel in the northeast was targeted, and southern towns including Deir Intar, Habboush, Chehabiyeh, Hanine, and Majdal Selem were targeted, where several homes came under fire, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Iranian authorities have arrested three people in the city of Shahroud in Semnan province, accused of “spying on sensitive sites”, according to a provincial police commander.

Tehran Times reported that a funeral procession has been held for one of the sailors killed in the US strike on the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena

Explosions are heard in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, Al Jazeera reported

Iran's energy minister said he believed the country was less vulnerable than others in the region to any attacks on its energy infrastructure, in an interview with state TV broadcast. "We produce electricity in a spread out way in several places, unlike the countries of the Persian Gulf or the Zionist regime, where production is centralised and very vulnerable," Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said

A rocket attack on Iraq's north killed six Iraqi Kurdish security personnel, AFP reported quoting a security official

Iranian media reported that US-Israeli strikes continued to target the energy facilities in Isfahan province. READ MORE

Israel's Channel 12 reported that Iran demanded the following from the US and promised allowing IAEA inspection: 

• Security guarantee that it will never attack Iran again 
• Establishment of a new maritime order placing the Strait of Hormuz under Iran's control in the future 
• Closure of all US military bases across West Asia
• Financial compensation proportional to the damage Iran sustained during the war
• Willingness to halt ballistic missile development for five years, reduce uranium enrichment
• Participation in discussions on adjusting its stockpile of 60 per cent highly enriched uranium
• Allowing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its centrifuges 
• Agreeing to halt funding for proxy forces across West Asia

The Tasnim news agency reported that Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi has spoken to Egyptian counterpart Abdelatty to discuss US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran’s “legitimate defences”

An Israeli strike on Bshamoun, a town south of Beirut, killed at least two people, Lebanon's health ministry said on Tuesday (Mar 24). "The Israeli enemy raid on the town of Bshamoun in the Aley district resulted, in a preliminary toll, in the martyrdom of two citizens and the injury of five others," the ministry said in a statement. 

Bshamoun lies outside of the traditional strongholds of Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been trading strikes with Israel since the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli-US attack.

Brent crude has soared above $100 per barrel after plunging on Monday (Mar 23). In Asia, the oil benchmark went up by 3.75% and is currently at $103.69.

After Donald Trump announced a pause, US-Israeli strikes on Monday (Mar 23) reportedly targeted energy-related facilities in Iran’s Isfahan province, Iranian media reported.

In Isfahan, a natural gas administration building and a gas pressure reduction station were hit, causing damage to parts of the facilities and nearby homes, Fars News Agency reported.

Asian countries are ramping up use of polluting coal to tackle energy shortages and price spikes linked to the Iran war, but the crisis could have an environmental silver lining.

While leaning on the fossil fuel will raise emissions in the near term, the energy crisis is demonstrating the risks of energy import dependence, and could push policymakers to embrace renewables faster, analysts told news agency AFP.

An Iranian source told CNN on Tuesday that there has been recent communication between the United States and Tehran, with Iran open to considering “sustainable” proposals to bring the war to an end. According to the source, the outreach was initiated by Washington but has not yet developed into formal negotiations. Messages have been exchanged through various intermediaries to explore whether a potential agreement to end the conflict is possible.

Israeli Air Force is investigating the failure to shoot down an Iranian ballistic missile that hit Tel Aviv this morning. Israel says it carried a conventional warhead, lightly injured four people, and caused extensive infrastructure damage

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of "national energy emergency" on Tuesday, citing risks to the domestic fuel supply and energy stability created by the Middle East war.

Rubio to meet G7 ministers in France on Iran Friday: State Department

Israel's military on Tuesday said it had conducted a large number of airstrikes in several areas of Iran, including the central city of Isfahan.

Qatar Tuesday said the Middle East war had stretched the Gulf states' security system beyond breaking point as Iran presses its aerial campaign against neighbouring countries.

Lebanon has revoked its approval for Iran’s designated ambassador and ordered him to leave the country by March 29, Lebanon’s LBCI reported.

CNN reports that overnight, Iran launched 'seven waves of missiles at Israel in less than 10 hours'
 

“In this situation of crisis, the safety of Indians around the world is of the utmost priority for us. More than 3,75,000 Indians have safely returned to India to date. More than 1000 Indians have returned from Iran alone; of these, more than 700 are medical students. In this hour of crisis, our Govt is working with full sensitivity. All countries have assured the safety of Indians there. However, it is unfortunate that a few Indians died and a few others were injured in the attacks. Affected families are being given all necessary help. Quality treatment of the injured is being ensured,” PM Narendra Modi said in Rajya Sabha.

In the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, "I have spoken to the Heads of States of most of the West Asian countries twice. We are in continuous communication with all Gulf countries. We are also in communication with Iran, Israel and US. Our goal is the reinstatement of peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. We have also spoken to them about de-escalation and the opening of Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on commercial ships and obstruction in an international sea route like the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable. India has opposed attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure, and infrastructure related to energy and transport. India is making continuous efforts for the safe passage of Indian ships even in these times of war. For a solution to this crisis, India has suggested dialogue. Threat on anyone's life in this war is not in the interest of humankind. So, India's efforts have been to encourage all parties for peaceful solutions."

PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday said, "About 1 crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries. Safeguarding their life and livelihoods is a matter of great concern for India. Several ships are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Indian crew members are stuck on those ships in large numbers. This too is a cause of major concern for India. In such a difficult situation, it is important that India's Upper House sends out a united voice of peace and dialogue."

In the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi says, "It has been more than 3 weeks since the war in West Asia started. The war has caused a serious energy crisis in the world. For India, too, this situation is concerning. The war has impacted our trade routes. With this, the routine supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers has been affected."

While speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (March 24, 2026) over the ongoing West Asia war, PM Modi called for de-escalation and reopening of Hormuz.

Israel launched air attacks across Lebanon, targeting residential areas and critical infrastructure. During the attack, Hermel in the northeast was targeted, and southern towns including Deir Intar, Habboush, Chehabiyeh, Hanine, and Majdal Selem were targeted, where several homes came under fire, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Iranian authorities have arrested three people in the city of Shahroud in Semnan province, accused of “spying on sensitive sites”, according to a provincial police commander.

Tehran Times reported that a funeral procession has been held for one of the sailors killed in the US strike on the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena

Explosions are heard in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, Al Jazeera reported

Iran's energy minister said he believed the country was less vulnerable than others in the region to any attacks on its energy infrastructure, in an interview with state TV broadcast. "We produce electricity in a spread out way in several places, unlike the countries of the Persian Gulf or the Zionist regime, where production is centralised and very vulnerable," Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said

A rocket attack on Iraq's north killed six Iraqi Kurdish security personnel, AFP reported quoting a security official

Iranian media reported that US-Israeli strikes continued to target the energy facilities in Isfahan province. READ MORE

Israel's Channel 12 reported that Iran demanded the following from the US and promised allowing IAEA inspection: 

• Security guarantee that it will never attack Iran again 
• Establishment of a new maritime order placing the Strait of Hormuz under Iran's control in the future 
• Closure of all US military bases across West Asia
• Financial compensation proportional to the damage Iran sustained during the war
• Willingness to halt ballistic missile development for five years, reduce uranium enrichment
• Participation in discussions on adjusting its stockpile of 60 per cent highly enriched uranium
• Allowing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its centrifuges 
• Agreeing to halt funding for proxy forces across West Asia

The Tasnim news agency reported that Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi has spoken to Egyptian counterpart Abdelatty to discuss US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran’s “legitimate defences”

An Israeli strike on Bshamoun, a town south of Beirut, killed at least two people, Lebanon's health ministry said on Tuesday (Mar 24). "The Israeli enemy raid on the town of Bshamoun in the Aley district resulted, in a preliminary toll, in the martyrdom of two citizens and the injury of five others," the ministry said in a statement. 

Bshamoun lies outside of the traditional strongholds of Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been trading strikes with Israel since the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli-US attack.

Brent crude has soared above $100 per barrel after plunging on Monday (Mar 23). In Asia, the oil benchmark went up by 3.75% and is currently at $103.69.

After Donald Trump announced a pause, US-Israeli strikes on Monday (Mar 23) reportedly targeted energy-related facilities in Iran’s Isfahan province, Iranian media reported.

In Isfahan, a natural gas administration building and a gas pressure reduction station were hit, causing damage to parts of the facilities and nearby homes, Fars News Agency reported.

Asian countries are ramping up use of polluting coal to tackle energy shortages and price spikes linked to the Iran war, but the crisis could have an environmental silver lining.

While leaning on the fossil fuel will raise emissions in the near term, the energy crisis is demonstrating the risks of energy import dependence, and could push policymakers to embrace renewables faster, analysts told news agency AFP.

An Iranian source told CNN on Tuesday that there has been recent communication between the United States and Tehran, with Iran open to considering “sustainable” proposals to bring the war to an end. According to the source, the outreach was initiated by Washington but has not yet developed into formal negotiations. Messages have been exchanged through various intermediaries to explore whether a potential agreement to end the conflict is possible.

Israeli Air Force is investigating the failure to shoot down an Iranian ballistic missile that hit Tel Aviv this morning. Israel says it carried a conventional warhead, lightly injured four people, and caused extensive infrastructure damage

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of "national energy emergency" on Tuesday, citing risks to the domestic fuel supply and energy stability created by the Middle East war.

Rubio to meet G7 ministers in France on Iran Friday: State Department

Israel's military on Tuesday said it had conducted a large number of airstrikes in several areas of Iran, including the central city of Isfahan.

Qatar Tuesday said the Middle East war had stretched the Gulf states' security system beyond breaking point as Iran presses its aerial campaign against neighbouring countries.

Lebanon has revoked its approval for Iran’s designated ambassador and ordered him to leave the country by March 29, Lebanon’s LBCI reported.

CNN reports that overnight, Iran launched 'seven waves of missiles at Israel in less than 10 hours'
 

“In this situation of crisis, the safety of Indians around the world is of the utmost priority for us. More than 3,75,000 Indians have safely returned to India to date. More than 1000 Indians have returned from Iran alone; of these, more than 700 are medical students. In this hour of crisis, our Govt is working with full sensitivity. All countries have assured the safety of Indians there. However, it is unfortunate that a few Indians died and a few others were injured in the attacks. Affected families are being given all necessary help. Quality treatment of the injured is being ensured,” PM Narendra Modi said in Rajya Sabha.

In the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, "I have spoken to the Heads of States of most of the West Asian countries twice. We are in continuous communication with all Gulf countries. We are also in communication with Iran, Israel and US. Our goal is the reinstatement of peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. We have also spoken to them about de-escalation and the opening of Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on commercial ships and obstruction in an international sea route like the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable. India has opposed attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure, and infrastructure related to energy and transport. India is making continuous efforts for the safe passage of Indian ships even in these times of war. For a solution to this crisis, India has suggested dialogue. Threat on anyone's life in this war is not in the interest of humankind. So, India's efforts have been to encourage all parties for peaceful solutions."

PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday said, "About 1 crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries. Safeguarding their life and livelihoods is a matter of great concern for India. Several ships are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Indian crew members are stuck on those ships in large numbers. This too is a cause of major concern for India. In such a difficult situation, it is important that India's Upper House sends out a united voice of peace and dialogue."

In the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi says, "It has been more than 3 weeks since the war in West Asia started. The war has caused a serious energy crisis in the world. For India, too, this situation is concerning. The war has impacted our trade routes. With this, the routine supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers has been affected."

While speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (March 24, 2026) over the ongoing West Asia war, PM Modi called for de-escalation and reopening of Hormuz.

Israel launched air attacks across Lebanon, targeting residential areas and critical infrastructure. During the attack, Hermel in the northeast was targeted, and southern towns including Deir Intar, Habboush, Chehabiyeh, Hanine, and Majdal Selem were targeted, where several homes came under fire, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Iranian authorities have arrested three people in the city of Shahroud in Semnan province, accused of “spying on sensitive sites”, according to a provincial police commander.

Tehran Times reported that a funeral procession has been held for one of the sailors killed in the US strike on the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena

Explosions are heard in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, Al Jazeera reported

Iran's energy minister said he believed the country was less vulnerable than others in the region to any attacks on its energy infrastructure, in an interview with state TV broadcast. "We produce electricity in a spread out way in several places, unlike the countries of the Persian Gulf or the Zionist regime, where production is centralised and very vulnerable," Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said

A rocket attack on Iraq's north killed six Iraqi Kurdish security personnel, AFP reported quoting a security official

Iranian media reported that US-Israeli strikes continued to target the energy facilities in Isfahan province. READ MORE

Israel's Channel 12 reported that Iran demanded the following from the US and promised allowing IAEA inspection: 

• Security guarantee that it will never attack Iran again 
• Establishment of a new maritime order placing the Strait of Hormuz under Iran's control in the future 
• Closure of all US military bases across West Asia
• Financial compensation proportional to the damage Iran sustained during the war
• Willingness to halt ballistic missile development for five years, reduce uranium enrichment
• Participation in discussions on adjusting its stockpile of 60 per cent highly enriched uranium
• Allowing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its centrifuges 
• Agreeing to halt funding for proxy forces across West Asia

The Tasnim news agency reported that Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi has spoken to Egyptian counterpart Abdelatty to discuss US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran’s “legitimate defences”

An Israeli strike on Bshamoun, a town south of Beirut, killed at least two people, Lebanon's health ministry said on Tuesday (Mar 24). "The Israeli enemy raid on the town of Bshamoun in the Aley district resulted, in a preliminary toll, in the martyrdom of two citizens and the injury of five others," the ministry said in a statement. 

Bshamoun lies outside of the traditional strongholds of Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been trading strikes with Israel since the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli-US attack.

Brent crude has soared above $100 per barrel after plunging on Monday (Mar 23). In Asia, the oil benchmark went up by 3.75% and is currently at $103.69.

After Donald Trump announced a pause, US-Israeli strikes on Monday (Mar 23) reportedly targeted energy-related facilities in Iran’s Isfahan province, Iranian media reported.

In Isfahan, a natural gas administration building and a gas pressure reduction station were hit, causing damage to parts of the facilities and nearby homes, Fars News Agency reported.

Asian countries are ramping up use of polluting coal to tackle energy shortages and price spikes linked to the Iran war, but the crisis could have an environmental silver lining.

While leaning on the fossil fuel will raise emissions in the near term, the energy crisis is demonstrating the risks of energy import dependence, and could push policymakers to embrace renewables faster, analysts told news agency AFP.

An Iranian source told CNN on Tuesday that there has been recent communication between the United States and Tehran, with Iran open to considering “sustainable” proposals to bring the war to an end. According to the source, the outreach was initiated by Washington but has not yet developed into formal negotiations. Messages have been exchanged through various intermediaries to explore whether a potential agreement to end the conflict is possible.

Israeli Air Force is investigating the failure to shoot down an Iranian ballistic missile that hit Tel Aviv this morning. Israel says it carried a conventional warhead, lightly injured four people, and caused extensive infrastructure damage

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of "national energy emergency" on Tuesday, citing risks to the domestic fuel supply and energy stability created by the Middle East war.

Rubio to meet G7 ministers in France on Iran Friday: State Department

Israel's military on Tuesday said it had conducted a large number of airstrikes in several areas of Iran, including the central city of Isfahan.

Qatar Tuesday said the Middle East war had stretched the Gulf states' security system beyond breaking point as Iran presses its aerial campaign against neighbouring countries.

Lebanon has revoked its approval for Iran’s designated ambassador and ordered him to leave the country by March 29, Lebanon’s LBCI reported.

CNN reports that overnight, Iran launched 'seven waves of missiles at Israel in less than 10 hours'
 

“In this situation of crisis, the safety of Indians around the world is of the utmost priority for us. More than 3,75,000 Indians have safely returned to India to date. More than 1000 Indians have returned from Iran alone; of these, more than 700 are medical students. In this hour of crisis, our Govt is working with full sensitivity. All countries have assured the safety of Indians there. However, it is unfortunate that a few Indians died and a few others were injured in the attacks. Affected families are being given all necessary help. Quality treatment of the injured is being ensured,” PM Narendra Modi said in Rajya Sabha.

In the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi said on Tuesday, "I have spoken to the Heads of States of most of the West Asian countries twice. We are in continuous communication with all Gulf countries. We are also in communication with Iran, Israel and US. Our goal is the reinstatement of peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. We have also spoken to them about de-escalation and the opening of Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on commercial ships and obstruction in an international sea route like the Strait of Hormuz is unacceptable. India has opposed attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure, and infrastructure related to energy and transport. India is making continuous efforts for the safe passage of Indian ships even in these times of war. For a solution to this crisis, India has suggested dialogue. Threat on anyone's life in this war is not in the interest of humankind. So, India's efforts have been to encourage all parties for peaceful solutions."

PM Narendra Modi in Rajya Sabha on Tuesday said, "About 1 crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries. Safeguarding their life and livelihoods is a matter of great concern for India. Several ships are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Indian crew members are stuck on those ships in large numbers. This too is a cause of major concern for India. In such a difficult situation, it is important that India's Upper House sends out a united voice of peace and dialogue."

In the Rajya Sabha, PM Narendra Modi says, "It has been more than 3 weeks since the war in West Asia started. The war has caused a serious energy crisis in the world. For India, too, this situation is concerning. The war has impacted our trade routes. With this, the routine supply of petrol, diesel, gas and fertilisers has been affected."

While speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday (March 24, 2026) over the ongoing West Asia war, PM Modi called for de-escalation and reopening of Hormuz.

Israel launched air attacks across Lebanon, targeting residential areas and critical infrastructure. During the attack, Hermel in the northeast was targeted, and southern towns including Deir Intar, Habboush, Chehabiyeh, Hanine, and Majdal Selem were targeted, where several homes came under fire, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

Iranian authorities have arrested three people in the city of Shahroud in Semnan province, accused of “spying on sensitive sites”, according to a provincial police commander.

Tehran Times reported that a funeral procession has been held for one of the sailors killed in the US strike on the Iranian vessel IRIS Dena

Explosions are heard in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, Al Jazeera reported

Iran's energy minister said he believed the country was less vulnerable than others in the region to any attacks on its energy infrastructure, in an interview with state TV broadcast. "We produce electricity in a spread out way in several places, unlike the countries of the Persian Gulf or the Zionist regime, where production is centralised and very vulnerable," Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said

A rocket attack on Iraq's north killed six Iraqi Kurdish security personnel, AFP reported quoting a security official

Iranian media reported that US-Israeli strikes continued to target the energy facilities in Isfahan province. READ MORE

Israel's Channel 12 reported that Iran demanded the following from the US and promised allowing IAEA inspection: 

• Security guarantee that it will never attack Iran again 
• Establishment of a new maritime order placing the Strait of Hormuz under Iran's control in the future 
• Closure of all US military bases across West Asia
• Financial compensation proportional to the damage Iran sustained during the war
• Willingness to halt ballistic missile development for five years, reduce uranium enrichment
• Participation in discussions on adjusting its stockpile of 60 per cent highly enriched uranium
• Allowing International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its centrifuges 
• Agreeing to halt funding for proxy forces across West Asia

The Tasnim news agency reported that Iran’s FM Abbas Araghchi has spoken to Egyptian counterpart Abdelatty to discuss US and Israeli attacks on Iran and Iran’s “legitimate defences”

An Israeli strike on Bshamoun, a town south of Beirut, killed at least two people, Lebanon's health ministry said on Tuesday (Mar 24). "The Israeli enemy raid on the town of Bshamoun in the Aley district resulted, in a preliminary toll, in the martyrdom of two citizens and the injury of five others," the ministry said in a statement. 

Bshamoun lies outside of the traditional strongholds of Iran-backed Hezbollah, which has been trading strikes with Israel since the killing of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli-US attack.

Brent crude has soared above $100 per barrel after plunging on Monday (Mar 23). In Asia, the oil benchmark went up by 3.75% and is currently at $103.69.

After Donald Trump announced a pause, US-Israeli strikes on Monday (Mar 23) reportedly targeted energy-related facilities in Iran’s Isfahan province, Iranian media reported.

In Isfahan, a natural gas administration building and a gas pressure reduction station were hit, causing damage to parts of the facilities and nearby homes, Fars News Agency reported.

Asian countries are ramping up use of polluting coal to tackle energy shortages and price spikes linked to the Iran war, but the crisis could have an environmental silver lining.

While leaning on the fossil fuel will raise emissions in the near term, the energy crisis is demonstrating the risks of energy import dependence, and could push policymakers to embrace renewables faster, analysts told news agency AFP.