US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) has ruled out any possibility of talks with the Iranians after claiming that Iran wants to make a deal. He also raised doubts about the wellbeing of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while also saying that reports of his death is a rumour. Once again, Trump suggested that he has people in mind who can lead the Islamic Republic but did not provide any names. This comes even as Iran said that it is not ready to talk to the Americans, accusing them of betrayal for attacking in the middle of the nuclear talks and stating clearly that its Supreme Leader was wounded but is now stable.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>What Trump said about deal with Iran?</h2>In a phone interview to NBC News, Trump said, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” He explained that the agreement would need to be “very solid” for Americans to agree with it. When asked what should be the terms of the agreement, he responded, “I don’t want to say that to you,” he said. This comes after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Mar 12, in a post on X, wrote that the war will only end after three conditions will be met - namely - recognition of Islamic Republic's legitimate rights, payment of reparations and firm international guarantees against future aggression. Trump had described Iran as a “tough country”, and declared victory in the war but provided no evidence of the claims.<h2>What Trump said about Mojtaba Khamenei?</h2>About the health of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said, “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.” However, within minutes the US president described reports of his death as “a rumour.” Days after stating that he has three good options for the future ruler of Iran, he hinted the same on Saturday, but did not reveal any names. "We have people that are living that would be great leaders for the future of the country,” Trump said.&nbsp;Trump's remarks about new Iranian Supreme Leader comes after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday (Mar 13) claimed, “Iranian leadership are desperate and hiding, gone underground, like that rat used to do. We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader (Mojtaba Khamenei) is wounded and likely disfigured.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-as-a-sincere-friend-china-responds-after-trump-urges-countries-to-send-warships-to-secure-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-threat-1773524775265">'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz</a><h2>What Iran said about Mojtaba's health?</h2>Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday (Mar 14) said that there was "no problem" with the Islamic Republic's new Supreme Leader. "There is no problem with the new supreme leader. He sent his message yesterday, and he will perform his duties," Araghchi told MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin, AFP reported. On March 11, Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, said that Mojtaba was “safe and sound.”&nbsp;Moreover, contrary to Western media reports about him being in coma, on Thursday (Mar 12), Mojtaba issued his first public speech. He said Iran will not hesitate to take revenge for the crimes committed by the enemy and mentioned the Minab school massacre. He warned the Gulf countries to close the American bases. He also said Iran had only targeted US bases in neighbouring countries and urged them to determine their position regarding the "aggressors and the killers of our people."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-four-weeks-to-war-is-very-complete-to-not-won-enough-trump-contradicts-himself-about-endgame-of-iran-war-khamenei-dead-netanyahu-israel-1773117026231">From 'four weeks' to 'war is very complete' to 'not won enough': Trump contradicts himself about endgame of Iran war</a><h2>What Western media claimed about Mojtaba?</h2>A section of the western media claimed that Mojtaba, the new Supreme Leader is in a coma and lost one leg. The Sun, which first reported it, quoting a source in Tehran, and the UK media, which amplified it, claimed that it had gained information from the hospital - the Sina University Hospital - where Mojtaba is reportedly being treated after being injured in an US-Israeli airstrike. The report quoted the unnamed source saying that the section of the hospital building has been sealed off with huge security present at the scene. The source also named the doctor looking after him as Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi, who is Iran's top trauma surgeon and also the Minister of Health, Treatment and Medical Education. “One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well," The Sun reported.&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.)&nbsp;

Donald Trump said he is not ready to strike a deal with Iran to end the war, calling the current terms insufficient. He also questioned whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, while Tehran officials dismissed US claims that he was wounded or in hiding.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) has ruled out any possibility of talks with the Iranians after claiming that Iran wants to make a deal. He also raised doubts about the wellbeing of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, while also saying that reports of his death is a rumour. Once again, Trump suggested that he has people in mind who can lead the Islamic Republic but did not provide any names. This comes even as Iran said that it is not ready to talk to the Americans, accusing them of betrayal for attacking in the middle of the nuclear talks and stating clearly that its Supreme Leader was wounded but is now stable. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-iran-says-hormuz-will-not-be-reopened-to-us-ships-1773541752565/embed What Trump said about deal with Iran? In a phone interview to NBC News, Trump said, “Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet.” He explained that the agreement would need to be “very solid” for Americans to agree with it. When asked what should be the terms of the agreement, he responded, “I don’t want to say that to you,” he said. This comes after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Mar 12, in a post on X, wrote that the war will only end after three conditions will be met - namely - recognition of Islamic Republic's legitimate rights, payment of reparations and firm international guarantees against future aggression. Trump had described Iran as a “tough country”, and declared victory in the war but provided no evidence of the claims. What Trump said about Mojtaba Khamenei? About the health of new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Trump said, “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.” However, within minutes the US president described reports of his death as “a rumour.” Days after stating that he has three good options for the future ruler of Iran, he hinted the same on Saturday, but did not reveal any names. "We have people that are living that would be great leaders for the future of the country,” Trump said. Trump's remarks about new Iranian Supreme Leader comes after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday (Mar 13) claimed, “Iranian leadership are desperate and hiding, gone underground, like that rat used to do. We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader (Mojtaba Khamenei) is wounded and likely disfigured.” Also Read: 'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz What Iran said about Mojtaba's health? Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday (Mar 14) said that there was "no problem" with the Islamic Republic's new Supreme Leader. "There is no problem with the new supreme leader. He sent his message yesterday, and he will perform his duties," Araghchi told MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin, AFP reported. On March 11, Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, said that Mojtaba was “safe and sound.” Moreover, contrary to Western media reports about him being in coma, on Thursday (Mar 12), Mojtaba issued his first public speech. He said Iran will not hesitate to take revenge for the crimes committed by the enemy and mentioned the Minab school massacre. He warned the Gulf countries to close the American bases. He also said Iran had only targeted US bases in neighbouring countries and urged them to determine their position regarding the "aggressors and the killers of our people." Also Read: From 'four weeks' to 'war is very complete' to 'not won enough': Trump contradicts himself about endgame of Iran war What Western media claimed about Mojtaba? A section of the western media claimed that Mojtaba, the new Supreme Leader is in a coma and lost one leg. The Sun, which first reported it, quoting a source in Tehran, and the UK media, which amplified it, claimed that it had gained information from the hospital - the Sina University Hospital - where Mojtaba is reportedly being treated after being injured in an US-Israeli airstrike. The report quoted the unnamed source saying that the section of the hospital building has been sealed off with huge security present at the scene. The source also named the doctor looking after him as Mohammad-Reza Zafarghandi, who is Iran's top trauma surgeon and also the Minister of Health, Treatment and Medical Education. “One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well," The Sun reported. (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.)

Donald Trump said he is not ready to strike a deal with Iran to end the war, calling the current terms insufficient. He also questioned whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive, while Tehran officials dismissed US claims that he was wounded or in hiding.

'I’m hearing he’s not alive...': Trump raises doubts about Supreme Leader Mojtaba's wellbeing, rules out Iran war deal for now

Within hours of threat to Ukraine by a Iranian leader, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has responded and called the threat "absurd." It has also been reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested to speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Israel based YNet reported that Israeli request is connected to Ukraine's help to Israel against Iranian-made drones. Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk confirmed that such a request was submitted. He also said that so far the call between the two leaders has not taken place due to scheduling constraints. He expressed hopes that it will occur early next week, without providing a date.&nbsp;&nbsp;Meanwhile, &nbsp;Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi, in a statement slamming Iran for its support to Russia, said, "The Iranian regime has been supporting the murder of Ukrainians for years, by directly sharing drones and technology for Russian aggression against Ukraine. In this sense, hearing anyone from that regime threaten Ukraine and cite the right to self-defense enshrined in the U.N. Charter's Article 51 is absurd. It's like hearing a serial killer justify his crimes by citing criminal code.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-s-experts-to-reach-the-middle-east-help-repel-iranian-drones-zelensky-1772997174566">‘Ukraine’s experts to reach the Middle East, help repel Iranian drones,’ says Zelensky</a>

<h2>Iran's threat to Ukraine</h2>Iranian leader Ebrahim Azizi, who serves as the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, said on Saturday (Mar 15) that Ukraine is now a “legitimate and lawful target” after it offered to provide Israel support with drone warfare. In a post on X, he wrote, “By providing drone support to the Israeli regime, failed Ukraine has effectively become involved in the War and, under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, has turned its entire territory into a legitimate target for Iran."&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-leader-says-ukraine-now-a-legitimate-target-over-alleged-drone-support-for-israel-1773501266904"> Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel</a><h2>What Zelensky said about providing help to Israel?</h2>Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky on Mar 9 said that Ukrainian drone experts will reach West Asia next week and will be “on site” to help the United States and Gulf nations in repelling Iranian drones. Zelensky said that this was done after the US had turned to it for help on anti-drone defences, tapping into Ukraine’s years of experience combating the Iran-designed Shahed drones deployed by Russia. “We received a ⁠request from the United States for specific support in protection against ‘Shaheds’ in the Middle East region,” Zelensky wrote on X. “I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security,” he added. The Ukrainian president said that he is ready to assist partners like Israel and Gulf nations as long as it does not weaken Ukraine's own defenses.&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.)

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly requested talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky after Iran warned Ukraine could become a “legitimate target” for helping Israel with drone defence. Kyiv confirmed the request amid Ukraine’s planned anti-drone support in West Asia.

Within hours of threat to Ukraine by a Iranian leader, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has responded and called the threat "absurd." It has also been reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested to speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Israel based YNet reported that Israeli request is connected to Ukraine's help to Israel against Iranian-made drones. Ukraine's Ambassador to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk confirmed that such a request was submitted. He also said that so far the call between the two leaders has not taken place due to scheduling constraints. He expressed hopes that it will occur early next week, without providing a date. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi, in a statement slamming Iran for its support to Russia, said, "The Iranian regime has been supporting the murder of Ukrainians for years, by directly sharing drones and technology for Russian aggression against Ukraine. In this sense, hearing anyone from that regime threaten Ukraine and cite the right to self-defense enshrined in the U.N. Charter's Article 51 is absurd. It's like hearing a serial killer justify his crimes by citing criminal code. Also Read: ‘Ukraine’s experts to reach the Middle East, help repel Iranian drones,’ says Zelensky

Israel’s PM Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly requested talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky after Iran warned Ukraine could become a “legitimate target” for helping Israel with drone defence. Kyiv confirmed the request amid Ukraine’s planned anti-drone support in West Asia.

'A serial killer...': Ukraine responds to Iranian leader's ‘legitimate target’ threat, Netanyahu requests call with Zelensky

Hours after US President Donald Trump urged many countries including China to deploy warships in the Strait of Hormuz to secure the region, China and the UK have responded. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington told CNN that China wants an immediate cession of hostilities, and that “all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.” The UK's Defense Ministry responded saying that they are still weighing a number of options to ensure the security of the strategic shipping route. There has been no response from France, Japan, South Korea so far. Stating that the security of the Strait of Hormuz should always have been a “team effort”, Trump in a Truth Social post on mar 14 said that the countries of the world that "receive oil through the Hormuz Strait" must take care of that passage." He also declared that the US will help them.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a statement quoted by CNN, Chinese Embassy said, “As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, China will continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, and play a constructive role for deescalation and restoration of peace." A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense said that the UK is “currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.” The Chinese response amid uncertainty over Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting in Beijing in over two weeks.&nbsp;Meanwhile, at least 29 maritime incidents have been reported since the closure of Strait of Hormuz by Iran. Several Indian Navy warships have been deployed near the Persian Gulf and remain on standby to assist merchant vessels coming towards India, a report by news agency ANI citing sources claimed on Sunday.&nbsp;<h2>Trump wants countries to send warships to Strait of Hormuz</h2>Trump on Saturday (March 14) claimed, “Many countries, those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait will be sending warships in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the strait safe and open for shipping.” Though he claimed in a Truth Social post that the US has “already destroyed 100 percent of Iran's military capability”, he urged multiple countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to send ships to the area so that the Hormuz will no longer be a threat. He also said that it is easy for Iran to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along or in this waterway, “no matter how badly defeated they are.”<h2>What has Iran said about Strait of Hormuz?</h2>Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, after the US and Israel launched pre-emptive attack on the Islamic Republic on Feb 28. It has declared that any vessel passing through the passage would require Iran's prior approval, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard stating that it would "not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region to the US" through the strait. Brent Crude is trading around $103.14 per barrel as of Mar 13. The closure of Strait of Hormuz has raised global fears for energy and oil needs as it is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global crude oil and natural gas shipments transit. Iran also stated it would permit Chinese ships to pass. However, on Mar 14, Indian authorities confirmed that two Indian LPG carriers (Shivalik and Nanda Devi) were permitted safe passage after coordination with Iranian authorities.<h2>Attacks in Strait of Hormuz so far</h2>The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and the International Maritime Organisation confirmed that on March 1, the oil tankers MT Skylight and MKD VYOM were struck and later abandoned after fires broke out, resulting in three deaths. On March 2, the US-flagged Stena Imperative was reportedly hit twice while docked at port in Bahrain. On March 4, the container vessel Safeen Prestige was struck by a projectile that triggered an engine-room fire and forced the crew to abandon ship. On March 6, a tugboat assisting the damaged vessel was hit by two missiles and sank. The attacks intensified on March 11, when a wave of strikes targeted the MV Mayuree Naree, Safesea Vishnu, and Zefyros, causing multiple fires and leaving several crew members missing, according to maritime security updates from UKMTO and regional naval authorities. An Indian sailor was also killed in the Mar 11 attack.&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;&nbsp;

Global tensions rise after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following US-Israel strikes. Trump urged nations to send warships to secure the route as multiple tanker attacks were reported. China called for de-escalation amid growing energy security fears.

Hours after US President Donald Trump urged many countries including China to deploy warships in the Strait of Hormuz to secure the region, China and the UK have responded. A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington told CNN that China wants an immediate cession of hostilities, and that “all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.” The UK's Defense Ministry responded saying that they are still weighing a number of options to ensure the security of the strategic shipping route. There has been no response from France, Japan, South Korea so far. Stating that the security of the Strait of Hormuz should always have been a “team effort”, Trump in a Truth Social post on mar 14 said that the countries of the world that "receive oil through the Hormuz Strait" must take care of that passage." He also declared that the US will help them. In a statement quoted by CNN, Chinese Embassy said, “As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, China will continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, and play a constructive role for deescalation and restoration of peace." A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense said that the UK is “currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.” The Chinese response amid uncertainty over Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping's meeting in Beijing in over two weeks. Meanwhile, at least 29 maritime incidents have been reported since the closure of Strait of Hormuz by Iran. Several Indian Navy warships have been deployed near the Persian Gulf and remain on standby to assist merchant vessels coming towards India, a report by news agency ANI citing sources claimed on Sunday. Trump wants countries to send warships to Strait of Hormuz Trump on Saturday (March 14) claimed, “Many countries, those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait will be sending warships in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the strait safe and open for shipping.” Though he claimed in a Truth Social post that the US has “already destroyed 100 percent of Iran's military capability”, he urged multiple countries including China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK to send ships to the area so that the Hormuz will no longer be a threat. He also said that it is easy for Iran to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along or in this waterway, “no matter how badly defeated they are.” What has Iran said about Strait of Hormuz? Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, after the US and Israel launched pre-emptive attack on the Islamic Republic on Feb 28. It has declared that any vessel passing through the passage would require Iran's prior approval, with Iranian Revolutionary Guard stating that it would "not allow a single drop of oil to leave the region to the US" through the strait. Brent Crude is trading around $103.14 per barrel as of Mar 13. The closure of Strait of Hormuz has raised global fears for energy and oil needs as it is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, through which a significant portion of global crude oil and natural gas shipments transit. Iran also stated it would permit Chinese ships to pass. However, on Mar 14, Indian authorities confirmed that two Indian LPG carriers (Shivalik and Nanda Devi) were permitted safe passage after coordination with Iranian authorities. Attacks in Strait of Hormuz so far The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and the International Maritime Organisation confirmed that on March 1, the oil tankers MT Skylight and MKD VYOM were struck and later abandoned after fires broke out, resulting in three deaths. On March 2, the US-flagged Stena Imperative was reportedly hit twice while docked at port in Bahrain. On March 4, the container vessel Safeen Prestige was struck by a projectile that triggered an engine-room fire and forced the crew to abandon ship. On March 6, a tugboat assisting the damaged vessel was hit by two missiles and sank. The attacks intensified on March 11, when a wave of strikes targeted the MV Mayuree Naree, Safesea Vishnu, and Zefyros, causing multiple fires and leaving several crew members missing, according to maritime security updates from UKMTO and regional naval authorities. An Indian sailor was also killed in the Mar 11 attack. (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.)

Global tensions rise after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following US-Israel strikes. Trump urged nations to send warships to secure the route as multiple tanker attacks were reported. China called for de-escalation amid growing energy security fears.

'As a sincere friend...': China responds after Trump urges countries to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz

Rumours claiming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was assassinated or missing during the West Asia war are false. His office dismissed the viral claims as fake news. The speculation grew after a video showing an alleged “six-finger” frame triggered AI deepfake rumours online.

'The PM is...': Netanyahu’s office debunks 'fake news' over his whereabouts

North Korea conducted a major firepower drill using 600mm ultra-precision rocket launchers as tensions rise during US-South Korea Freedom Shield exercises. Kim Jong Un reiterated the need for a strong nuclear deterrent 

'Weapon will be used immediately...’: North Korea sends BIG message to US amid West Asia war, conducts drills with 600mm rocket launchers

Several Indian Navy warships have been deployed near the Persian Gulf and remain on standby to assist merchant vessels coming towards India, sources confirmed on Sunday. A report by news agency ANI citing sources said the Indian Navy warships are on standby to provide assistance or help required by merchant vessels. Earlier on Saturday, two Indian-flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) crossed the Strait of Hormuz after being allowed to transit by Iranian authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;The two tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are expected to reach their destinations in the next few days.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-iran-harden-stance-both-reject-mediation-efforts-for-ceasefire-talks-1773516304591">Trump and Iran harden stance, both reject mediation efforts for ceasefire talks</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">There are several Indian Navy warships deployed near the Persian Gulf and are on standby to provide any assistance or help required by merchant vessels coming from there towards India: Sources <a href="https://t.co/haDM2MSZNp">pic.twitter.com/haDM2MSZNp</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2032898942669885600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Union ports, shipping, and waterways ministry provided an update on the maritime situation in the Persian Gulf region and the steps being taken to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and vessels. As per the ministry, 24 Indian-flagged vessels with 668 Indian seafarers were operating in the Persian Gulf. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-leader-says-ukraine-now-a-legitimate-target-over-alleged-drone-support-for-israel-1773501266904">Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel</a> All Indian vessels and crew were being actively monitored, said the ministry, adding that the 24-hour control room of DG Shipping has handled over 2,425 calls and 4,441 emails and facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 223 stranded Indian seafarers. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-with-iran-entering-decisive-phase-says-israel-s-defence-minister-israel-katz-1773498890073">War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz</a> Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, also confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the longstanding friendship between the two countries. Meanwhile, Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, said that Iran never wanted to block the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz. Ilahi told ANI that world leaders should put pressure on US President Donald Trump to stop the war against his country since the people across the world are suffering due to the surge in oil prices and shortages.

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Several Indian Navy warships have been deployed near the Persian Gulf and remain on standby to assist merchant vessels coming towards India, sources confirmed on Sunday. A report by news agency ANI citing sources said the Indian Navy warships are on standby to provide assistance or help required by merchant vessels. Earlier on Saturday, two Indian-flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) crossed the Strait of Hormuz after being allowed to transit by Iranian authorities. The two tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, are expected to reach their destinations in the next few days. Also Read: Trump and Iran harden stance, both reject mediation efforts for ceasefire talks

Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the longstanding friendship between the two countries.

Indian Navy warships deployed near Persian Gulf, on standby to assist merchant vessels: Report

US President Donald Trump’s administration has rebuffed efforts by its Middle Eastern allies to start diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the Iran war that started two weeks ago, according to sources familiar with the efforts. On its part, Iran also rejected talk of a ceasefire until the US and Israel end strikes, said two senior Iranian sources, adding that several countries had been trying to mediate an end to the conflict, reported The Times of Israel.&nbsp;The refusal by both Washington and Tehran suggests that both are willing to continue the conflict.US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, its main oil export hub, on Friday night underscored Trump’s determination to press ahead with his military assault.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-another-act-of-aggression-india-condemns-pakistan-s-airstrikes-in-afghanistan-1773505888906">‘Another act of aggression’: India condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan</a>&nbsp;As per the assessment of the Israel Defence Forces, between 4,000 and 5,000 Iranian soldiers and commanders have been killed since the start of the war.&nbsp;Oman, which mediated talks before the war, has tried multiple times to open a line of communication, but the White House made it clear that it is not interested.A senior White House official confirmed Trump has rebuffed efforts to start talks and is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran’s military capabilities.“He’s not interested in that right now, and we’re going to continue with the mission unabated. Maybe there’s a day, but not right now,” the official said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-leader-says-ukraine-now-a-legitimate-target-over-alleged-drone-support-for-israel-1773501266904">Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel</a>&nbsp;“President Trump said new potential leadership in Iran has indicated they want to talk and eventually will talk. For now, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated,” said another senior White House official.As per Iranian sources, Tehran has rejected efforts by several countries to negotiate a ceasefire until the US and Israel end their airstrikes and meet its demands, which include reparations and a permanent end to US and Israeli attacks.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-with-iran-entering-decisive-phase-says-israel-s-defence-minister-israel-katz-1773498890073">War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz</a>&nbsp;Egypt, which was also involved in mediation before the war, also tried to reopen communications, according to security and diplomatic sources. Though the efforts did not make any progress, they secured some military restraint from neighbouring countries hit by Iran, said one source.&nbsp;Some US officials and Trump advisers are urging a quick end to the war, cautioning that rising gasoline prices could exact a high political price from the Republican Party, with US midterm elections looming, while others are pressing Trump to maintain the offensive against the Islamic Republic to destroy its missile programme and prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon.&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;“The Guards strongly believe that if they lose control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will lose the war,” the source added, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite paramilitary force that controls large parts of the economy.

Oman, which mediated talks before the war, has tried multiple times to open a line of communication, but the White House said it is not interested. A White House official confirmed Trump is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran’s military capabilities.

US President Donald Trump’s administration has rebuffed efforts by its Middle Eastern allies to start diplomatic negotiations aimed at ending the Iran war that started two weeks ago, according to sources familiar with the efforts. On its part, Iran also rejected talk of a ceasefire until the US and Israel end strikes, said two senior Iranian sources, adding that several countries had been trying to mediate an end to the conflict, reported The Times of Israel. The refusal by both Washington and Tehran suggests that both are willing to continue the conflict. US strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, its main oil export hub, on Friday night underscored Trump’s determination to press ahead with his military assault. Also Read: ‘Another act of aggression’: India condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan As per the assessment of the Israel Defence Forces, between 4,000 and 5,000 Iranian soldiers and commanders have been killed since the start of the war. Oman, which mediated talks before the war, has tried multiple times to open a line of communication, but the White House made it clear that it is not interested. A senior White House official confirmed Trump has rebuffed efforts to start talks and is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran’s military capabilities. “He’s not interested in that right now, and we’re going to continue with the mission unabated. Maybe there’s a day, but not right now,” the official said. Also Read: Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel “President Trump said new potential leadership in Iran has indicated they want to talk and eventually will talk. For now, Operation Epic Fury continues unabated,” said another senior White House official. As per Iranian sources, Tehran has rejected efforts by several countries to negotiate a ceasefire until the US and Israel end their airstrikes and meet its demands, which include reparations and a permanent end to US and Israeli attacks. Also Read: War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz Egypt, which was also involved in mediation before the war, also tried to reopen communications, according to security and diplomatic sources. Though the efforts did not make any progress, they secured some military restraint from neighbouring countries hit by Iran, said one source. Some US officials and Trump advisers are urging a quick end to the war, cautioning that rising gasoline prices could exact a high political price from the Republican Party, with US midterm elections looming, while others are pressing Trump to maintain the offensive against the Islamic Republic to destroy its missile programme and prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Also Read: US hit more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island: CENTCOM “The Guards strongly believe that if they lose control over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will lose the war,” the source added, referring to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an elite paramilitary force that controls large parts of the economy.

Oman, which mediated talks before the war, has tried multiple times to open a line of communication, but the White House said it is not interested. A White House official confirmed Trump is focused on pressing ahead with the war to further weaken Tehran’s military capabilities.

Trump and Iran harden stance, both reject mediation efforts for ceasefire talks

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said that there was "no problem" with the Islamic Republic's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after US officials claimed that he had been wounded. "There is no problem with the new supreme leader. He sent his message yesterday, and he will perform his duties," Araghchi told MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin, AFP reported.&nbsp;These remarks from the Iranian foreign minister come after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday claimed, “Iranian leadership are desperate and hiding, gone underground, like that rat used to do.”&nbsp;&nbsp;He added that “We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader (Mojtaba Khamenei) is wounded and likely disfigured.”&nbsp;Hegseth also declared that “the USA is decimating the Iranian regime,” as the combination of two of the world’s most powerful air forces struck 15,000 enemy targets since the beginning of operations in West Asia.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-aytollah-mojabata-is-injured-and-hiding-underground-hegesth-claims-us-struk-15000-targets-in-iran-1773404739066">'Media wants US to lose war': Trump accuses media of ‘misleading’ coverage of West Asia war</a>&nbsp;In a display of defiance, Iran's state media released footage of top leaders walking the streets and joining the Quds Day protest in Tehran, moments after Hegseth, in a press briefing, claimed that the Iranian leadership had “gone underground” and were “cowering like rats.”&nbsp;The high-definition, real-time broadcast, refuting Hegseth’s assertion that the Iranian regime had lost the capability to communicate or coordinate, featured President Masoud Pezeshkian, the leading political figure of the country, seen greeting supporters and taking selfies on the rain-spattered streets in Tehran.&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 the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping. The move led to a sharp rise in energy prices, with crude crossing $100 per barrel.&nbsp;Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.&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.)

These remarks from the Iranian foreign minister come after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday claimed, “We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader (Mojtaba Khamenei) is wounded and likely disfigured.”

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday said that there was "no problem" with the Islamic Republic's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, after US officials claimed that he had been wounded. "There is no problem with the new supreme leader. He sent his message yesterday, and he will perform his duties," Araghchi told MSNBC's Ayman Mohyeldin, AFP reported. These remarks from the Iranian foreign minister come after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday claimed, “Iranian leadership are desperate and hiding, gone underground, like that rat used to do.” He added that “We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader (Mojtaba Khamenei) is wounded and likely disfigured.” Hegseth also declared that “the USA is decimating the Iranian regime,” as the combination of two of the world’s most powerful air forces struck 15,000 enemy targets since the beginning of operations in West Asia. Also Read: 'Media wants US to lose war': Trump accuses media of ‘misleading’ coverage of West Asia war In a display of defiance, Iran's state media released footage of top leaders walking the streets and joining the Quds Day protest in Tehran, moments after Hegseth, in a press briefing, claimed that the Iranian leadership had “gone underground” and were “cowering like rats.” The high-definition, real-time broadcast, refuting Hegseth’s assertion that the Iranian regime had lost the capability to communicate or coordinate, featured President Masoud Pezeshkian, the leading political figure of the country, seen greeting supporters and taking selfies on the rain-spattered streets in Tehran. 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 the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping. The move led to a sharp rise in energy prices, with crude crossing $100 per barrel. Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes 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.)

These remarks from the Iranian foreign minister come after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday claimed, “We know the new so-called, not-so-supreme leader (Mojtaba Khamenei) is wounded and likely disfigured.”

Iran FM says ‘no problem’ with Supreme Leader after US 'disfigured' claim

President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on major American news organisations, specifically targeting The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal for their coverage of the ongoing "Operation Epic Fury" in West Asia. Speaking from the White House, Trump accused these publications of using misleading headlines to undermine the US military strategy following recent strikes on Kharg Island in Iran.&nbsp;He claimed that the editorial tone of these legacy media institutions suggests they "want the US to lose the war." He argued that by focusing on the potential for Iranian retaliation or the risks to global energy markets, the media is projecting "weakness and fear."&nbsp;The US president specifically took issue with headlines that framed the Kharg Island strike, which he described as a total tactical success, as a "provocation" rather than a necessary defence of international shipping lanes.&nbsp;Trump asserted that at a time when American forces are deployed in the region, the domestic press should prioritise national interests over "clickbait" and "anti-American rhetoric."&nbsp;These remarks from the US president came 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;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;In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US bases across the region and announced the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping. The move led to a sharp rise in energy prices, with crude crossing $100 per barrel.&nbsp;Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday also mounted an attack on the media, saying that certain journalists and outlets "just can't stop" producing unflattering coverage because they "only want to make the president look bad."&nbsp;Earlier in the day, in a Truth Social post, Trump urged multiple countries, saying: "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK and others that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated."&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.)

President Trump accused The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal of publishing "misleading" headlines that undermine the US military strategy in West Asia.

President Donald Trump launched a sharp attack on major American news organisations, specifically targeting The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal for their coverage of the ongoing "Operation Epic Fury" in West Asia. Speaking from the White House, Trump accused these publications of using misleading headlines to undermine the US military strategy following recent strikes on Kharg Island in Iran. He claimed that the editorial tone of these legacy media institutions suggests they "want the US to lose the war." He argued that by focusing on the potential for Iranian retaliation or the risks to global energy markets, the media is projecting "weakness and fear." The US president specifically took issue with headlines that framed the Kharg Island strike, which he described as a total tactical success, as a "provocation" rather than a necessary defence of international shipping lanes. Trump asserted that at a time when American forces are deployed in the region, the domestic press should prioritise national interests over "clickbait" and "anti-American rhetoric." These remarks from the US president came 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. Also Read: Trump urges China, France, Japan, and UK to send warships to open Strait of Hormuz In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US bases across the region and announced the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping. The move led to a sharp rise in energy prices, with crude crossing $100 per barrel. Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday also mounted an attack on the media, saying that certain journalists and outlets "just can't stop" producing unflattering coverage because they "only want to make the president look bad." Earlier in the day, in a Truth Social post, Trump urged multiple countries, saying: "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK and others that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated." (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.)

President Trump accused The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal of publishing "misleading" headlines that undermine the US military strategy in West Asia.

'Media wants US to lose war': Trump accuses media of ‘misleading’ coverage of West Asia war

India on Saturday condemned the recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan, terming the strikes yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan, and reiterated India’s stance that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The airstrikes by Pakistan had killed 16 civilians and injured 15 others besides damaging infrastructure in Afghanistan.Afghanistan’s ruling authorities condemned the Pakistani attacks as violations of their sovereignty. Hours after the Pakistani attacks, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military centres.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-leader-says-ukraine-now-a-legitimate-target-over-alleged-drone-support-for-israel-1773501266904">Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel</a>&nbsp;Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a statement on Saturday that said, “India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our response to media queries on recent attacks by Pakistan on Afghanistan ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/jXBxyOlsfl">https://t.co/jXBxyOlsfl</a> <a href="https://t.co/mvVnVvaUZ9">pic.twitter.com/mvVnVvaUZ9</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/2032829343660126579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The Afghan Taliban government on Friday accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and several areas in eastern Afghanistan. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-with-iran-entering-decisive-phase-says-israel-s-defence-minister-israel-katz-1773498890073">War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz</a> Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani aircraft also struck fuel depots belonging to the private airline Kam Air near Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan.Islamabad denied deliberately targeting civilians and said that its operations were aimed at Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks operating from across the border. 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> Hours later, authorities in Kabul said Afghanistan’s air force had responded by targeting Pakistani military installations near Islamabad and in parts of northwestern Pakistan. Islamabad described the escalating conflict as an “open war” that raised concerns about regional stability even as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran continues. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-man-accuses-him-of-running-starlink-internet-network-report-1773427572506">Iran arrests man, accuses him of running Starlink internet network: Report</a> Pakistan accused Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government of harbouring militant groups, particularly the Pakistani Taliban (TTP), which it alleged carry out attacks inside Pakistan after crossing the porous border.

The Afghan Taliban government accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and several areas in eastern Afghanistan. Islamabad denied deliberately targeting civilians and said its operations were aimed at Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks.

India on Saturday condemned the recent airstrikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan, terming the strikes yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan, and reiterated India’s stance that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected. The airstrikes by Pakistan had killed 16 civilians and injured 15 others besides damaging infrastructure in Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s ruling authorities condemned the Pakistani attacks as violations of their sovereignty. Hours after the Pakistani attacks, Afghan forces targeted Pakistani military centres. Also Read: Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared a statement on Saturday that said, “India condemns the air strikes by Pakistan in Afghanistan’s territory, leading to the death of several civilians and destruction of civilian infrastructure. This is yet another act of aggression by a Pakistani establishment that remains hostile to the idea of a sovereign Afghanistan. India reiterates that Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity should be fully respected.”

The Afghan Taliban government accused Pakistan of carrying out airstrikes in Kabul and several areas in eastern Afghanistan. Islamabad denied deliberately targeting civilians and said its operations were aimed at Pakistani Taliban militants and their support networks.

‘Another act of aggression’: India condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes in Afghanistan

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

Iranian leader Ebrahim Azizi, who is head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, said on Saturday that Ukraine is now a “legitimate and lawful target” after it offered to provide Israel support with drone warfare. “By providing drone support to the Israeli regime, failed Ukraine has effectively become involved in the War and, under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, has turned its entire territory into a legitimate target for Iran,” said Azizi, chairman of the Majlis’ National Security Committee, in a post on X.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">By providing drone support to the Israeli regime, failed Ukraine has effectively become involved in the War and, under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, has turned its entire territory into a legitimate target for Iran. <a href="https://t.co/T35XtSqIBv">pic.twitter.com/T35XtSqIBv</a>&mdash; ابراهیم عزیزی (@Ebrahimazizi33) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ebrahimazizi33/status/2032765438694682972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Though there is no official information about cooperation between Kyiv and Tel Aviv, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed to have sent “relevant specialists” to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to help repel Iranian drone attacks. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-with-iran-entering-decisive-phase-says-israel-s-defence-minister-israel-katz-1773498890073">War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz</a> Zelensky said last week that the US had turned to it for help on anti-drone defences, tapping into Ukraine’s years of experience combating the Iran-designed Shahed drones deployed by Russia.“We received a ⁠request from the United States for specific support in protection against ‘Shaheds’ in the Middle East region,” Zelensky wrote on X. “I gave instructions to provide the necessary means and ensure the presence of Ukrainian specialists who can guarantee the required security.” Ebrahim Azizi’s comments are in line with Iran’s threats to other European powers seen to have helped the US or Israel. 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> Azizi claimed that providing drone support to Israel would constitute direct participation in hostilities and argued that such involvement would make Ukrainian territory a lawful target for Iran under international law. He argued that under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which allows states to exercise the right of self-defence, Iran would consider Ukrainian territory a legitimate target but did not provide evidence supporting the claim that Ukraine has assisted Israel. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-man-accuses-him-of-running-starlink-internet-network-report-1773427572506">Iran arrests man, accuses him of running Starlink internet network: Report</a> Azizi’s remarks came as the US-Israeli war against Iran continued to escalate across the Middle East, with missile and drone attacks spreading across the region.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that the US had turned to it for help on anti-drone defences, tapping into Ukraine’s experience in combating the Iran-designed Shahed drones deployed by Russia, and claimed to have sent specialists to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Iranian leader Ebrahim Azizi, who is head of the national security commission of the Iranian parliament, said on Saturday that Ukraine is now a “legitimate and lawful target” after it offered to provide Israel support with drone warfare. “By providing drone support to the Israeli regime, failed Ukraine has effectively become involved in the War and, under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, has turned its entire territory into a legitimate target for Iran,” said Azizi, chairman of the Majlis’ National Security Committee, in a post on X.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said last week that the US had turned to it for help on anti-drone defences, tapping into Ukraine’s experience in combating the Iran-designed Shahed drones deployed by Russia, and claimed to have sent specialists to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.

Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel

President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 14) claimed "Many countries, those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait will be sending warships in conjunction with the United States of America," to keep the strait safe and open for shipping.&nbsp;He declared that "We have already destroyed 100% of Iran's military capability, but it's easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along or in this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are," Trump said in a Truth Social post.&nbsp;In a unusal move, Trump urged multiple countries that "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz will no longer be a threat by a nation that has totally decapitated."&nbsp;These remarks from the US president come after 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;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-india-has-really-helped-us-iran-envoy-on-india-s-support-after-us-sank-iris-dena-1773496529515">'India really helped us': Iran envoy on India’s support after US sank IRIS Dena</a>&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.&nbsp;Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes on Kharag Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to open strait of Hormuz.The US president repeated his warning that "the United States will be bombing hell out of the shoreline and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water, one way or another, we will soon get Hormouz Strait, Open, Safe and Free," he declared.&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.)

Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes on Kharag Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump on Saturday (March 14) claimed "Many countries, those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait will be sending warships in conjunction with the United States of America," to keep the strait safe and open for shipping. He declared that "We have already destroyed 100% of Iran's military capability, but it's easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close-range missile somewhere along or in this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are," Trump said in a Truth Social post. In a unusal move, Trump urged multiple countries that "Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea and the UK and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint, will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz will no longer be a threat by a nation that has totally decapitated." These remarks from the US president come after 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. Also Read: 'India really helped us': Iran envoy on India’s support after US sank IRIS Dena 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. Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes on Kharag Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to open strait of Hormuz. The US president repeated his warning that "the United States will be bombing hell out of the shoreline and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water, one way or another, we will soon get Hormouz Strait, Open, Safe and Free," he declared. (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.)

Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes on Kharag Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to open the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump urges China, France, Japan, and UK to send warships to open Strait of Hormuz

Russia has delivered more than 13 tons of emergency medical supplies to Iran via Azerbaijan, as the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel intensifies. The aid package, consisting primarily of medicines and essential hospital equipment, was dispatched on the direct orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin to address urgent healthcare shortages following weeks of heavy bombardment.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-safer-to-sink-more-fun-trump-explains-why-us-chose-to-sink-iranian-vessels-over-capturing-them-1773128758213">‘Safer to sink, more fun’: Trump explains why US chose to sink Iranian vessels over capturing them</a>&nbsp;The humanitarian shipment was transported by a specialised Il-76 aircraft from Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry to Azerbaijan, from where it was transferred to the Iranian Red Crescent Society for final delivery. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the aid was provided following a specific request from Tehran, citing the widespread destruction of medical infrastructure and a high volume of civilian casualties.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-poor-man-s-cruise-missile-iran-s-20-000-drone-strategy-against-us-and-israel-1773230389912">The 'poor man's cruise missile': Iran’s $20,000 drone strategy against US and Israel</a>&nbsp;The delivery highlights the deepening strategic and military alliance between Moscow and Tehran amid the escalating regional crisis that began on February 28. Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during the opening strikes, the transition of power to his son, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been met with continued pledges of “unwavering support” from the Kremlin.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-bring-the-iranian-people-to-throw-off-the-yoke-of-tyranny-netanyahu-calls-for-regime-change-1773141471285">‘Bring the Iranian people to throw off the yoke of tyranny’: Netanyahu calls for regime change</a>&nbsp;While the conflict has severely disrupted regional logistics and shipping - particularly through the Strait of Hormuz - the overland corridor through Azerbaijan has provided a critical lifeline for humanitarian relief. International observers view the move as a tangible demonstration of Moscow’s commitment to its Iranian partner, even as both nations face increasing pressure from Western powers.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-bomb-shelter-dating-app-to-introduce-singles-hiding-during-airstrikes-amid-iran-war-1773215935936">Israel launches ‘bomb shelter dating’ app to introduce singles hiding during airstrikes amid Iran war</a>&nbsp;

Russia delivered 13 tons of emergency medical supplies to Iran via Azerbaijan as the war with the US and Israel intensifies. The aid, ordered by Vladimir Putin, aims to support hospitals facing shortages after weeks of bombardment and rising civilian casualties.

Russia has delivered more than 13 tons of emergency medical supplies to Iran via Azerbaijan, as the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel intensifies. The aid package, consisting primarily of medicines and essential hospital equipment, was dispatched on the direct orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin to address urgent healthcare shortages following weeks of heavy bombardment.

Russia delivered 13 tons of emergency medical supplies to Iran via Azerbaijan as the war with the US and Israel intensifies. The aid, ordered by Vladimir Putin, aims to support hospitals facing shortages after weeks of bombardment and rising civilian casualties.

Russia becomes first country to send aid to Iran amid war, sends 13 tons of emergency medical supplies

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday that the war with Iran was entering a “decisive phase” and lauded the US strikes on the military targets on Kharg Island oil export hub. “The global and regional struggle against Iran, led by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is escalating and entering the decisive phase that will continue as long as necessary,” Katz told military top brass in a televised statement as the war entered its third week.The US forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island ⁠in Iran on ⁠Friday night, the US ⁠Central Command said on Saturday.“US Forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military ⁠targets,” ⁠CENTCOM said.&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;Meanwhile, the Pentagon shared that more than 15,000 targets in Iran have been hit by the US and Israel in two weeks.Israel’s military said it has conducted 7,600 strikes on Iran, mostly against its missile programme.Reports in the US media claimed that the US was planning for an eventual ground invasion, as the New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon had dispatched the Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli to the region with some 2,500 Marines.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-man-accuses-him-of-running-starlink-internet-network-report-1773427572506">Iran arrests man, accuses him of running Starlink internet network: Report</a>&nbsp;The Israeli defence minister’s statement came on the day explosions rocked cities across the Middle East, with strikes on the US embassy in Baghdad and a major UAE energy facility with heavy strikes and counterattacks being reported across the region.&nbsp;Black smoke rose above Washington’s embassy in Iraq. Clouds of dark black smoke were also seen rising from Fujairah, home to a major Emirati oil storage and export terminal, shortly after Iran’s military warned UAE civilians to avoid port areas.&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;So far, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against at least 10 of its neighbours.Israel’s army warned people in an industrial zone of Tabriz in northern Iran to evacuate, signalling an imminent attack.The hit on the US embassy in Baghdad followed strikes against the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, killing two members, including a “key figure," security sources said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-us-close-to-critical-minerals-deal-announcement-likely-soon-ambassador-sergio-gor-1773409906075">‘India, US close to critical minerals deal, announcement likely soon:’ Ambassador Sergio Gor</a>&nbsp;The conflict began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched large-scale airstrikes on Iranian military and strategic targets and killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US bases in the Middle East countries.

The Pentagon has said that more than 15,000 targets in Iran have been hit by the US and Israel in two weeks. Israel’s military said it has conducted 7,600 strikes on Iran, mostly targeting its missile programme.

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Saturday that the war with Iran was entering a “decisive phase” and lauded the US strikes on the military targets on Kharg Island oil export hub. “The global and regional struggle against Iran, led by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is escalating and entering the decisive phase that will continue as long as necessary,” Katz told military top brass in a televised statement as the war entered its third week. The US forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island ⁠in Iran on ⁠Friday night, the US ⁠Central Command said on Saturday. “US Forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military ⁠targets,” ⁠CENTCOM said. Also Read: US hit more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island: CENTCOM Meanwhile, the Pentagon shared that more than 15,000 targets in Iran have been hit by the US and Israel in two weeks. Israel’s military said it has conducted 7,600 strikes on Iran, mostly against its missile programme. Reports in the US media claimed that the US was planning for an eventual ground invasion, as the New York Times and Wall Street Journal reported that the Pentagon had dispatched the Japan-based amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli to the region with some 2,500 Marines. Also Read: Iran arrests man, accuses him of running Starlink internet network: Report The Israeli defence minister’s statement came on the day explosions rocked cities across the Middle East, with strikes on the US embassy in Baghdad and a major UAE energy facility with heavy strikes and counterattacks being reported across the region. Black smoke rose above Washington’s embassy in Iraq. Clouds of dark black smoke were also seen rising from Fujairah, home to a major Emirati oil storage and export terminal, shortly after Iran’s military warned UAE civilians to avoid port areas. Also Read: ‘Going to be hitting them very hard over the next week’: Trump warns Iran So far, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against at least 10 of its neighbours. Israel’s army warned people in an industrial zone of Tabriz in northern Iran to evacuate, signalling an imminent attack. The hit on the US embassy in Baghdad followed strikes against the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, killing two members, including a “key figure," security sources said. Also Read: ‘India, US close to critical minerals deal, announcement likely soon:’ Ambassador Sergio Gor The conflict began on February 28, when US and Israeli forces launched large-scale airstrikes on Iranian military and strategic targets and killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks against Israel and US bases in the Middle East countries.

The Pentagon has said that more than 15,000 targets in Iran have been hit by the US and Israel in two weeks. Israel’s military said it has conducted 7,600 strikes on Iran, mostly targeting its missile programme.

War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz

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

Iran is reportedly adopting drone warfare tactics used by Russia in Ukraine, launching large numbers of low-cost attack drones along multiple routes to overwhelm air defences. The strategy relies on quantity and unpredictability to exhaust expensive interception systems.

Moscow’s ‘cheat code’ for Tehran: Is Iran using Russia’s tactics to use drones in war with US, Israel?

<h2>US-Israel-Iran War | Day 15</h2>The Conflict So Far: On February 28, the US launched Operation Epic Fury alongside Israel’s Operation Lion’s Roar, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Today (Mar 14) is day 15 of the war in West Asia.Key Highlights:The Succession: Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei was named Supreme Leader on March 8. His legitimacy is under fire amid reports of an IRGC-forced selection and a clerical boycott.Trump’s "Victory" Claim: On March 14, US President Donald Trump once again claimed victory, saying “Iran has no radar. They have no anti-aircraft weapons.”Pezeshkian’s Conditions: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has demanded reparations and international guarantees as prerequisites for any ceasefire.Energy Crisis: Oil prices hover near $100 per barrel as the IEA warns of the largest supply disruption in history.<h2>Stay connected to WION for all updates, analysis and developments on the ongoing situation as the Israel-US war on Iran continues</h2>

A US-Israeli missile attack on an industrial area of Isfahan killed at least 15 people, Iran's Fars news agency reported on Saturday.The attack targeted a factory that produces heating and cooling equipment and was in operation at the time of the strike, Fars reported. Saturday is a working day in Iran.&nbsp;

Missile strike on Isfahan industrial area kills 15: Iran media

An Israeli Air Force fighter jet was almost shot down over Iran amid the war, the military said on Saturday. According to the IDF, an attempt was made to shoot down the jet, and it was “close to being hit.”The attack on the plane “failed due to the alertness and professionalism of the pilot,” the military said, adding that the sortie “was completed successfully.”

Israeli Air Force jet was nearly shot down over Iran, says IDF

Two senior Iranian intelligence officers were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Tehran on Friday, the IDF announced on Saturday. The strike targeted a facility of the intelligence directorate of the Khatam-al Anbiya Central Headquarters, also known as Iran’s military emergency command.The strike killed Abdollah Jalali-Nasab and Amir Shariat, two top officers in Khatam-al Anbiya’s intelligence directorate.

Two senior Iranian intel officers killed in Tehran airstrike, says IDF

Total Iranian gas supplies to Iraq rose from 6 million cubic metres to 18 million cubic metres over the past week, Iraqi electricity ministry spokesperson Ahmed Mousa told Reuters, adding that the additional volumes were allocated to the country’s southern region.

Iranian gas supplies to Iraq tripled in past week

The Israel Defence Forces said on Saturday (March 14) that missiles were launched from Iran toward Israeli territory, and air defence systems were operating to intercept the incoming threat.

IDF says missiles fired from Iran toward Israeli territory

Israel said on Saturday (March 14) it had killed Hisham Abd al-Karim Yassin, a commander in the Palestine Corps of Iran’s Quds Force and in Hezbollah’s communications unit.&nbsp;

Israel killed Iran Quds Force commander in Lebanon, IDF says

“We have them on tape—we know who they are,” US President Donald Trump said on the Fox News Brian Kilmeade Show on Friday (March 13), referring to individuals he said are killing protesters in the streets. “When they’re caught, they will be tried and executed.” &nbsp;

Trump: Those who shot protesters in Iran will be tried and executed

US President Donald Trump dismissed reports by The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times that US refueling tanker aircraft were destroyed in a strike in Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;Trump said in a post on Truth Social, “Four of the five had virtually no damage, and are already back in service. One had slightly more damage but will be in the air shortly. None were destroyed, or close to that, as the Fake News said in headlines,” he wrote.

Trump dismisses reports US aircraft were destroyed in Saudi

Israeli Home Front Command troops, including active and reserve soldiers, were deployed to the site of a strike in southern Israel, the Israeli military said.

Israeli forces respond to missile impact site in southern Israel

Iranian state media warned residents and workers in areas around the Jebel Ali, Khalifa and Fujairah ports in the UAE to leave immediately, saying the locations could be targeted in the coming hours.

Iran’s state media warns residents around three UAE ports to leave

Amid concerns over fuel supply due to developments in West Asia, the Union Petroleum Ministry on Saturday said India has sufficient crude oil supplies and that refineries across the country are operating at full capacity, with no reports of fuel shortages at retail outlets. Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on developments in West Asia, Joint Secretary (Marketing &amp; Oil Refinery) at the Ministry, Sujata Sharma, said adequate petrol and diesel are available in the country, and there is currently no need for imports.

No crude shortage at retail outlets, assures Petroleum Ministry amid West Asia conflict

Two Indian-flagged tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas bound for ports in the country's west crossed the Strait of Hormuz, the shipping ministry said Saturday."They crossed the Strait of Hormuz early morning safely and are en route to India," Rajesh Kumar Sinha, special secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, said at a news briefing in New Delhi.

Two India-bound vessels cross Strait of Hormuz: Shipping ministry

Israel says 'antisemitism epidemic raging' in Netherlands after blast outside Jewish school

Antisemitism epidemic raging’ in Netherlands, says Israel after blast outside Jewish school

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz said Saturday the war with Tehran was entering a "decisive phase", praising US strikes on what Washington called military targets on Iran's Kharg Island oil export hub.

War with Iran entering 'decisive phase', says Israel's defence minister

Iran's military warned Saturday that it considers ports in the United Arab Emirates to be legitimate targets and urged residents to avoid them, in a statement carried by state TV.Tehran "considers it its legitimate right to defend its national sovereignty and territory by striking American enemy missiles located in ports, docks and US military hideouts" in the UAE, the military's central operational command, Khatam Al-Anbiya, said.

Iran cautions UAE residents to stay away from ports and maritime sites

Amir Hatami, commander-in-chief of the Iranian army, has warned that the killing of 104 crew members from the IRIS Dena, in the Indian Ocean upon returning from a military exercise, “will not go unanswered."

 Killing of IRIS Dena sailors will not go unanswered, says Iran

&nbsp;Police have arrested 54 supporters of the Shah's rule within 72 hours, who were planning riots in the country, say Iranian news agencies, identified with the regime.

Dozens of Shah supporters arrested for planning riots and two spies

At least 112 people have lost their lives so far after US-Israel attacks on the Kurdistan province of Iran, according to a local official quoted by the Tasnim news agency. In addition, at least 969 people were injured in the attacks, according to the Head of the Kurdistan Provincial Emergency Department.The official further confirmed that 27 people are currently hospitalised in standard wards, while five are in intensive care units.

At least 112 people died in Iran’s Kurdistan: Official

Iran has now completed two weeks under a nationwide internet shutdown imposed by authorities, according to the internet monitoring organisation NetBlocks.

Iran Internet Blackout Enters Second Week

Iran has reported significant damage to dozens of its cultural landmarks following US-Israeli strikes since the beginning of the war. According to the country’s Culture Ministry, at least 56 sites, including museums and historic monuments, have suffered serious structural damage.In a statement cited by the ISNA news agency, the ministry said Tehran province recorded the highest number of affected sites, with 19 monuments damaged. It added that Iran’s Kurdistan province has also been impacted, where 12 major historical monuments were reported damaged.

Iran Says 56 Cultural Sites Damaged in US-Israeli Strikes

Six members of the same family, along with a 6‑month‑old baby, have been killed after Israeli-US forces launched an attack on a residential building in the city of Eyvan in Iran’s Ilam province, according to Iranian media reports. A local authority stated that rescue workers are still on the way to the scene of the strike, clearing the rubble.

Infant among six family members killed as strike hits residential building in Iran: Report

No oil infrastructure was damaged in US strikes on Kharg Island, Iranian media reported on Saturday.Fars news agency, citing sources on the ground, reported there had been no damage to oil facilities after President Donald Trump said US bombardment of the island had destroyed military targets.Trump had threatened in a social media post to target oil infrastructure on the island, a crucial hub for Iran, if Tehran continued to block the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian media reports no damage to Kharg oil infrastructure after US strike

Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas on Saturday called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighbouring countries, while affirming Tehran's right to defend itself against Israel and the United States."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.

Hamas urges Iran to stop 'targeting neighbouring' countries

The Israeli army told people in an industrial zone in the west of Iran's northern city of Tabriz to leave ahead of military operations on Saturday."Urgent warning to all people located in the industrial area west of Tabriz," the Israeli military posted on X, adding it would "continue to operate in the area in the coming hours".Internet shutdowns in Iran since US-Israeli strikes late last month triggered a war in the Middle East meant that residents were unlikely to be able to access online evacuation warnings.

Israeli military tells residents in parts of Iran's Tabriz to leave 

&lt;iframe src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116225502010036899/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Trump claims Iran is 'totally defeated and wants a deal'

A drone struck the US embassy in Baghdad on Saturday, an Iraqi security official said, as an AFP journalist saw smoke rising from the complex."A drone hit the embassy," the official said, with a second security source confirming that an attack had targeted the diplomatic mission.The attack took place shortly after two Iran-backed fighters were killed in strikes on Iraq's capital, according to several sources.

Drone attack takes place on US embassy in Baghdad

Explosions rocked Iraq's capital Baghdad on Saturday after two strikes targeted the powerful Iran-backed group Kataeb Hezbollah, killing two members including a "key figure", security sources said.The strikes are the first in the heart of Baghdad to kill Iran-backed fighters since the start of the Middle East war on February 28, which has not spared Iraq, long a proxy battleground between the US and Iran."At 02:15 am (2315 GMT Friday), a missile struck a house that was being used&nbsp;by Kataeb Hezbollah," said a security source, adding that "a key figure was martyred," and two members of the group were wounded.

Two killed in strikes on Iraq capital targeting Iran-backed group: sources

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;President Trump has been remarkably consistent his entire life on Iran. Anyone who says otherwise has not been paying attention. &lt;a href="https://t.co/Cd2IU3Nb6Y"&gt;https://t.co/Cd2IU3Nb6Y&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/2032648482901676470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;March 14, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Karoline Leavitt touts Trump's 'remarkably consistent' Iran stance

The Government of Nepal has decided to stop granting on arrival visas to Iranian nationals, requiring them to obtain visas from Nepali embassies abroad before travelling to the country.The Department of Immigration said the rule will apply to all Iranian citizens except those holding government and diplomatic passports.With the move, the number of countries whose citizens are not eligible for Nepal’s on arrival visa facility has risen to 13.According to the department, the list now includes Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Switzerland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan and Syria.

Nepal stops providing on-arrival visas to Iranian nationals

&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;IMPORTANT NOTICE⬇️&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Extension of Regular Indian Visa/E-Visa and waiver of over stay penalty. to foreigners stuck in India due to the ongoing developments in West Asia &lt;a href="https://t.co/UZEAt78y0S"&gt;pic.twitter.com/UZEAt78y0S&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; India in Dubai (@cgidubai) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/cgidubai/status/2032504133367013407?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;March 13, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

India extends Regular Indian Visa/E-Visa, waives off over stay penalty due to West Asia war

Turkey on Friday advised its citizens to avoid non‑essential travel to Iraq, with the country drawn into the war between Iran and the United States and Israel.In a statement, the Turkish embassy in Baghdad said: "It is considered appropriate for our citizens to avoid travelling to Iraq during this period unless there is a compelling reason to do so".The embassy also advised citizens to avoid crowded squares, gathering areas around the Green Zone in Baghdad, as well as Baghdad and Erbil international airports, residential areas in and around Mosul, areas adjacent to Basra and critical infrastructure facilities such as military zones and oil fields across Iraq.

Turkey warns citizens to avoid nonessential travel to Iraq

An Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed a dozen medical staff at a clinic, Lebanese health authorities said Saturday, after Iran-backed Hezbollah's leader said his group was ready for a long confrontation with Israel.Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war last week when the Tehran-backed militant group attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes.

Lebanon says Israeli strike in south kills 12 medics

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 misled by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into launching the conflict.“Trump was duped by Netanyahu into starting the war and is now acting under his control,” he 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.&lt;blockquote class="twitter-tweet"&gt;&lt;p lang="en" dir="ltr"&gt;2/ The war will continue until the enemy&amp;#39;s calculus is altered and they are driven to regret.&lt;/p&gt;&amp;mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) &lt;a href="https://twitter.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2032558167398154527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw"&gt;March 13, 2026&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/blockquote&gt; &lt;script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Iran’s Ghalibaf says ‘Trump was duped by Netanyahu’

The United States on Friday told its non-emergency US government employees in Oman and their family members to leave the Gulf country as war rages in the Middle East.The State Department updated its advisory to warn Americans of "safety risks," noting "there has been an ongoing threat of drone and missile attacks from Iran and significant disruptions to commercial flights."Two people were killed by a drone in northern Oman, state media reported Friday, as Iran continues its retaliatory attacks on neighbouring countries.

Washington orders some US diplomatic staff to leave Oman

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?&nbsp;<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">Here's all you need to know</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260314/image-1773441456027.png?rect=(0,191,1026,768)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest"></figure>

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 War President 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.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-scared-and-disfigured-us-claims-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-injured-in-chaotic-strike-1773438327145">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260309/image-1773036658109.jpg?rect=(0,65,1070,801)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'Scared and disfigured': US claims Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei injured in 'chaotic' strike"></figure>

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

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 13) claimed that Tehran ‘has no radar,’ while insisting that the Iran war will last as long as necessary. The POTUS effectively signalled that the US and Israel have achieved total air supremacy over Iran.&nbsp;<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">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260314/image-1773444448509.jpg?rect=(0,65,1070,801)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="'They have no radar': Trump claims Iran’s military is 'collapsing,' says Iran war will last 'as long as necessary'"></figure>

'They have no radar': Trump claims Iran’s military is 'collapsing,' says Iran war will last 'as long as necessary'

Blasts were heard in Doha early Saturday, according to AFP journalists, after Qatar's interior ministry said it was evacuating some key areas.Interceptors were seen over the Qatari capital's downtown area, downing two projectiles, an AFP journalist said, as Iran presses its retaliatory air campaign against Gulf states.The Gulf state's defence ministry said its military had "intercepted a missile attack which targeted the State of Qatar".

Explosions heard in Doha after key areas evacuated

&lt;iframe src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/116224645615624276/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0" width="600" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"&gt;&lt;/script&gt;

Trump slams Barack Obama admin in Truth Social post

US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 13) said the United States will soon begin naval escorts for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate in the Gulf. Speaking to the press at Joint Base Andrews-Naval Air Facility in Washington, Trump claimed Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded. “Iran has no radar. They have no anti-aircraft weapons,” he said, adding that the US military had been rebuilt during his presidency after previously being in poor condition.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-navy-escorts-in-strait-of-hormuz-will-happen-soon-claims-iran-military-weakened-iran-war-us-israel-iran-war-1773443091645">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260314/image-1773443480283.png?rect=(0,0,1200,900)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="Trump says US Navy escorts in Strait of Hormuz ‘will happen soon’, claims Iran military weakened"></figure>

Trump says US Navy escorts in Strait of Hormuz ‘will happen soon’

Explosions were heard on Saturday in Iraq's capital Baghdad, AFP journalists reported.The cause of the loud blasts in Baghdad was unclear, but witnesses said they saw smoke rising from an area in the city's centre.

Explosions heard in Baghdad: AFP journalist

US President Donald Trump said on Friday (March 13) that the US military had carried out a heavy bombing campaign against targets on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub, while warning that the island’s oil infrastructure could be targeted if tensions escalate. Posting on social media, Trump said the strikes had destroyed military sites on the island.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-forces-totally-obliterate-military-targets-in-iran-s-crown-jewel-kharg-island-trump-claims-in-new-truth-social-post-1773444263312">Read more here</a><figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260314/image-1773444330881.jpg?rect=(0,68,1065,799)&amp;imwidth=800&amp;imheight=600&amp;format=webp&amp;quality=medium" alt="US forces totally obliterate military targets in Iran’s crown jewel 'Kharg Island': Trump claims in new Truth Social post"></figure>

US forces totally obliterate military targets in Iran’s crown jewel 'Kharg Island': Trump

US-Israel-Iran War LIVE: Today (Mar 14) is day 15 of the war in West Asia. US President Donald Trump has once again claimed victory over Iran, saying that the nation was ‘collapsing’. Stay tuned to WION for all LIVE updates on the Iran war.

US-Israel-Iran War | Day 15 The Conflict So Far: On February 28, the US launched Operation Epic Fury alongside Israel’s Operation Lion’s Roar, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Today (Mar 14) is day 15 of the war in West Asia. Key Highlights: The Succession: Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei was named Supreme Leader on March 8. His legitimacy is under fire amid reports of an IRGC-forced selection and a clerical boycott. Trump’s "Victory" Claim: On March 14, US President Donald Trump once again claimed victory, saying “Iran has no radar. They have no anti-aircraft weapons.” Pezeshkian’s Conditions: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has demanded reparations and international guarantees as prerequisites for any ceasefire. Energy Crisis: Oil prices hover near $100 per barrel as the IEA warns of the largest supply disruption in history. Stay connected to WION for all updates, analysis and developments on the ongoing situation as the Israel-US war on Iran continues

US-Israel-Iran War&nbsp;LIVE: Today (Mar 14) is day 15 of the war in West Asia. US President Donald Trump has once again claimed victory over Iran, saying that the nation was ‘collapsing’. Stay tuned to WION for all LIVE updates on the Iran war.

US-Israel-Iran war highlights: Two senior Iranian intel officers killed in Tehran airstrike, says IDF

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

The US Central Command said on Saturday that the United States forces struck more than 90 Iranian military targets in large-scale precision overnight strikes on the Iranian oil island of Kharg. US forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island in Iran on Friday night, the US Central Command said.“US forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, while preserving the oil infrastructure,” CENTCOM said.&nbsp;The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites, the US military said in a post on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-arrests-man-accuses-him-of-running-starlink-internet-network-report-1773427572506">Iran arrests man, accuses him of running Starlink internet network: Report</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night, U.S. forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island, Iran. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites. U.S. forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg… <a href="https://t.co/2X1glD4Flt">pic.twitter.com/2X1glD4Flt</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2032777791247155482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Trump threatens to strike Kharg Island oil infrastructure</h2> On Friday, President Donald Trump had threatened to strike the oil infrastructure of Iran’s Kharg Island hub unless Tehran stopped attacking vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.“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,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.Kharg Island, a tiny but strategic island 15 miles off the coast of Iran in the Persian Gulf, is home to an oil terminal that ships 90% of the country’s oil exports. There are also military capabilities there, including air defences and mines buried underground. 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><h2>Tehran responds by threatening to strike oil facilities of US allies</h2> Tehran responded by threatening to strike the oil facilities of US allies if its oil infrastructure is damaged. Iran’s oil terminal has been unscathed so far, according to oil market research firm Energy Intelligence. US CENTCOM’s announcement aligns with the earlier comments from Iran, which said its oil facilities “remain intact”. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-us-close-to-critical-minerals-deal-announcement-likely-soon-ambassador-sergio-gor-1773409906075">‘India, US close to critical minerals deal, announcement likely soon:’ Ambassador Sergio Gor</a> Iran’s Fars News Agency, which is linked to its Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, said on Telegram on Saturday that more than 15 explosions were heard on the island during the US attacks, which it said targeted air defences, a naval base, an airport control tower, and a helicopter hangar.Tehran said no damage was caused to the oil infrastructure on Kharg Island but warned about the consequences of “any attack” on Iran’s energy infrastructure. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uavs-sighted-between-rawalpindi-and-islamabad-shot-down-pak-denies-airspace-closure-reports-1773419261615">UAVs sighted between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, shot down; Pak denies airspace closure reports</a> “If this happens, all oil and gas infrastructure in the region in which the US and its allies have interests will be set on fire and destroyed,” Iran’s armed forces said. Ehsan Jahaniyan, the deputy governor of Bushehr, which is a port city situated close to the island, said that the “operations of oil companies at this export terminal are proceeding normally” despite the brutal attack.

Responding to President Donald Trump’s threat, the Iranian authorities threatened to strike the oil facilities of US allies if its oil infrastructure were damaged. Iran’s oil terminal on Kharg Island has been unscathed so far, according to oil market research firm Energy Intelligence.

The US Central Command said on Saturday that the United States forces struck more than 90 Iranian military targets in large-scale precision overnight strikes on the Iranian oil island of Kharg. US forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island in Iran on Friday night, the US Central Command said. “US forces successfully struck more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, while preserving the oil infrastructure,” CENTCOM said. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites, the US military said in a post on X. Also Read: Iran arrests man, accuses him of running Starlink internet network: Report

Responding to President Donald Trump’s threat, the Iranian authorities threatened to strike the oil facilities of US allies if its oil infrastructure were damaged. Iran’s oil terminal on Kharg Island has been unscathed so far, according to oil market research firm Energy Intelligence.

US hit more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island: CENTCOM

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has issued a stern condemnation following a series of “rudimentary” drone attacks launched from Afghan territory, declaring that the Afghan Taliban has “crossed a red line” by targeting Pakistani civilians. The escalation occurred Friday night when Pakistan’s military detected and intercepted several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) before they could reach their intended targets, which included military headquarters in Rawalpindi. While the interceptions prevented a major security breach, the falling debris caused injuries to four civilians, including two children in Quetta, and one person each in Kohat and Rawalpindi. “The Afghan Taliban launched few rudimentary drones to harass the brave people of Pakistan,” the military stated. “The drones... did not reach their intended targets,” it added.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irgc-expands-conflict-targets-to-include-us-and-israeli-financial-infrastructure-in-gulf-details-inside-1773232808446">IRGC expands conflict targets to include US and Israeli financial infrastructure in Gulf. Details inside</a>&nbsp;This latest aggression follows a cycle of retaliatory violence. Pakistan had launched military operations against extremist hideouts inside Afghanistan overnight Thursday, which Afghan officials claimed killed four civilians in Kabul. The Taliban authorities subsequently vowed to strike back at Islamabad.In a strongly worded statement, President Zardari condemned the targeting of civilian areas, framing the incident as a grave provocation by an illegitimate regime.&nbsp;“Pakistan will not tolerate its civilians being targeted,” Zardari said via his office on X. “Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against neighbours. Pakistan will defend its people,” he said. Security sources confirmed that airspace around the capital was briefly closed as a precautionary measure during the drone detection. The border region has seen a severe degradation in stability, with frequent skirmishes hampering trade and displacing residents.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-bomb-shelter-dating-app-to-introduce-singles-hiding-during-airstrikes-amid-iran-war-1773215935936">Israel launches ‘bomb shelter dating’ app to introduce singles hiding during airstrikes amid Iran war</a>&nbsp;According to the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at least 75 civilians have been killed and 193 injured in the region since February 26. Despite Pakistan’s assertion that it only targets extremist installations, the Taliban government denies providing sanctuary for militants, creating a volatile standoff that shows little sign of de-escalation.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari warned the Afghan Taliban had crossed a “red line” after rudimentary drones launched from Afghan territory targeted Pakistan. The drones were intercepted, but debris injured civilians as tensions escalated following Pakistani strikes on militant hideouts.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has issued a stern condemnation following a series of “rudimentary” drone attacks launched from Afghan territory, declaring that the Afghan Taliban has “crossed a red line” by targeting Pakistani civilians. The escalation occurred Friday night when Pakistan’s military detected and intercepted several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) before they could reach their intended targets, which included military headquarters in Rawalpindi. While the interceptions prevented a major security breach, the falling debris caused injuries to four civilians, including two children in Quetta, and one person each in Kohat and Rawalpindi. “The Afghan Taliban launched few rudimentary drones to harass the brave people of Pakistan,” the military stated. “The drones... did not reach their intended targets,” it added. Also read: IRGC expands conflict targets to include US and Israeli financial infrastructure in Gulf. Details inside This latest aggression follows a cycle of retaliatory violence. Pakistan had launched military operations against extremist hideouts inside Afghanistan overnight Thursday, which Afghan officials claimed killed four civilians in Kabul. The Taliban authorities subsequently vowed to strike back at Islamabad.In a strongly worded statement, President Zardari condemned the targeting of civilian areas, framing the incident as a grave provocation by an illegitimate regime. “Pakistan will not tolerate its civilians being targeted,” Zardari said via his office on X. “Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against neighbours. Pakistan will defend its people,” he said. Security sources confirmed that airspace around the capital was briefly closed as a precautionary measure during the drone detection. The border region has seen a severe degradation in stability, with frequent skirmishes hampering trade and displacing residents. Also read: Israel launches ‘bomb shelter dating’ app to introduce singles hiding during airstrikes amid Iran war According to the UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at least 75 civilians have been killed and 193 injured in the region since February 26. Despite Pakistan’s assertion that it only targets extremist installations, the Taliban government denies providing sanctuary for militants, creating a volatile standoff that shows little sign of de-escalation.

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari warned the Afghan Taliban had crossed a “red line” after rudimentary drones launched from Afghan territory targeted Pakistan. The drones were intercepted, but debris injured civilians as tensions escalated following Pakistani strikes on militant hideouts.

Pakistan prez Zardari warns of ‘red line’ breach after Taliban drone attacks. Details inside

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Saturday apprehended a Nigerian national who had been declared a Proclaimed Offender (PO) in a narcotics case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in Chandigarh, officials said. The identified accused, Chuks, was arrested by the WR-II team near Tilak Nagar Metro Station after police received specific information about his movement in the area. Police said Chuks, a Nigerian citizen, had been declared a Proclaimed Offender in a case filed in 2021 at Industrial Area Police Station, Chandigarh, under the NDPS Act, according to a report by the news agency ANI. Investigators added that he allegedly supplied drugs in the Tilak Nagar, Dwarka, and Najafgarh areas. The Crime Branch had received a tip-off that he would arrive in Tilak Nagar to meet one of his associates, leading to his arrest. In response to the provided information, the police team laid a trap near Tilak Nagar Metro Station. Later, the accused attempted to escape the trap during the operation and flee the spot; however, the cops managed to overpower and arrest him.<h3>Nigerian businessman turned drug trafficker</h3>During questioning, the accused told investigators that he arrived in India in 2015 on a tourist visa and initially ran a clothing business in the Tilak Nagar area. However, due to financial problems, he later turned to drug trafficking and began supplying narcotic substances from Delhi to Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. Police said the accused had earlier been arrested in cases registered under the NDPS Act in Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. Further investigation is currently underway.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Punjab police have busted an ISI-sponsored terror and cross-border arms smuggling module, arresting two accused and recovering rifles, pistols, and cartridges, according to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab. The initial finding disclosed that the accused were in contact with foreign-based handlers through social media. The probe also revealed that the module was involved in radicalisation and spreading Anti-India and Anti-Police narratives.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-congress-creating-panic-within-country-pm-modi-accuses-party-during-his-assam-visit-amid-west-asia-war-1773475122315">‘Congress creating panic within country’: PM Modi accuses party during his Assam visit amid West Asia war</a>

Investigators said that he allegedly supplied drugs in the Tilak Nagar, Dwarka, and Najafgarh areas. The Crime Branch had received a tip-off that he would arrive in Tilak Nagar to meet one of his associates, leading to his arrest.

The Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Saturday apprehended a Nigerian national who had been declared a Proclaimed Offender (PO) in a narcotics case registered under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act in Chandigarh, officials said. The identified accused, Chuks, was arrested by the WR-II team near Tilak Nagar Metro Station after police received specific information about his movement in the area. Police said Chuks, a Nigerian citizen, had been declared a Proclaimed Offender in a case filed in 2021 at Industrial Area Police Station, Chandigarh, under the NDPS Act, according to a report by the news agency ANI. Investigators added that he allegedly supplied drugs in the Tilak Nagar, Dwarka, and Najafgarh areas. The Crime Branch had received a tip-off that he would arrive in Tilak Nagar to meet one of his associates, leading to his arrest. In response to the provided information, the police team laid a trap near Tilak Nagar Metro Station. Later, the accused attempted to escape the trap during the operation and flee the spot; however, the cops managed to overpower and arrest him. Nigerian businessman turned drug trafficker During questioning, the accused told investigators that he arrived in India in 2015 on a tourist visa and initially ran a clothing business in the Tilak Nagar area. However, due to financial problems, he later turned to drug trafficking and began supplying narcotic substances from Delhi to Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. Police said the accused had earlier been arrested in cases registered under the NDPS Act in Himachal Pradesh and Chandigarh. Further investigation is currently underway. Meanwhile, the Punjab police have busted an ISI-sponsored terror and cross-border arms smuggling module, arresting two accused and recovering rifles, pistols, and cartridges, according to the Director General of Police (DGP) of Punjab. The initial finding disclosed that the accused were in contact with foreign-based handlers through social media. The probe also revealed that the module was involved in radicalisation and spreading Anti-India and Anti-Police narratives. Also read: ‘Congress creating panic within country’: PM Modi accuses party during his Assam visit amid West Asia war

Investigators said that he allegedly supplied drugs in the Tilak Nagar, Dwarka, and Najafgarh areas. The Crime Branch had received a tip-off that he would arrive in Tilak Nagar to meet one of his associates, leading to his arrest.

Delhi Police arrest Nigerian drug trafficker wanted in NDPS case: More details inside

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.

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