Tensions across West Asia remain high nearly a week after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran, triggering a wider regional confrontation that has drawn in global powers and disrupted travel across the Gulf.
Military developments, diplomatic exchanges, and economic measures are unfolding almost simultaneously. Governments are issuing advisories, airlines are adjusting schedules, and world leaders are stepping up contacts in a bid to prevent the situation from spiralling further.
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'When oil prices go up, America makes a lot of money': Trump amid global energy crisis due to his war against Iran
US President Donald Trump on Thursday clarified his administration's primary objectives regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, shifting the focus away from the economic impacts of rising oil prices and toward long-term global security. In a post by the White House, President Trump, while acknowledging that the United States is currently the world's leading oil producer and stands to benefit financially from higher crude prices, emphasised that his administration's overriding mission remains the permanent dismantling of Iran's nuclear program. Trump said, "The United States is the largest Oil Producer in the World, by far, so when oil prices go up, we make a lot of money. BUT, of far greater interest and importance to me, as President, is stopping an evil Empire, Iran, from having Nuclear Weapons, and destroying the Middle East and, indeed, the World."
The statement comes amid rising tensions in West Asia following joint US-Israeli military operations that resulted in the killing of Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on February 28. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, disrupting key shipping routes and affecting global energy markets.
Iran launches new wave of missile strike on US, Israeli targets
https://twitter.com/IrnaEnglish/status/2032098776270118917
India supports UNSC resolution condemning ‘egregious’ attacks by Iran against Gulf nations
India has co-sponsored the Bahrain-led resolution in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), condemning the “egregious” attacks by Iran against Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan. The resolution India supported also demanded the immediate cessation of all attacks by Iran, denouncing Tehran’s threats of closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
The resolution was adopted by the 15-member UNSC with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions by permanent members Russia and China.
Bahrain-led resolution was co-sponsored by India along with 135 countries, including Australia, Austria, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Canada, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Yemen and Zambia.
India assisting nationals in Iran to exit via Azerbaijan and Armenia: MEA
In a weekly press briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday said that India is assisting its nationals in Iran to exit the war-torn country.
"We are also assisting Indian nationals who wish to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights to return home. We are assisting them with visas. We are also assisting them with land border crossings...," Jaiswal said.
He further added, "We've had about 9,000 Indian nationals who were there or who are there in Iran. These 9,000 Indian nationals comprise students, seafarers, business people, professionals and some pilgrims...Several Indian nationals, mostly students, left the country and reached home. We have shifted several Indian nationals, including students and pilgrims, who were based in Tehran to other safer locations and cities in the country."
"We've had several Indian nationals who have approached us and we have helped them to cross over into Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there to take commercial flights back home. I would take this opportunity to advise all Indian nationals who desire to leave Iran via land borders. They should adhere to the advisory that our embassy has issued."
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2032029783253713029
India reviewing diesel supply request from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives
India on Thursday confirmed receiving requests from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives for the supply of diesel.
Addressing a press conference, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi is reviewing these requests.
He further stated that India has been a major exporter of refined petroleum products to neighbouring countries and has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh since 2017.
"The government is examining these requests while considering India’s own refining capacity, domestic requirements and fuel availability," he said.
Oil prices top USD 100 a barrel as Iran strikes more ships
The US-Israel war against Iran has triggered a global energy crisis with the crude oil prices once again reaching USD 100 per barrel despite the IEA's release of record 400 million barrels of emergency stocks.
The crude oil prices had eased to near USD 90 per barrel level on Wednesday but surged again after Iran warned it will not allow a single litre to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran has struck several ships, including the India-bound Thai cargo vessel Mayuree Naree.
Iran struck US-owned ship in Northern Persian Gulf
Early on Thursday, the US-owned vessel "Safe Sia," sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands and considered a strategic asset of the American military, was struck in the northern Persian Gulf.
According to the IRGC Navy, the ship was targeted after it disregarded repeated warnings and failed to comply with their orders. (IRNA)
Crude tanker reaches Mumbai after Iran clears Hormuz transit
A Liberian-flagged tanker captained by an Indian and carrying crude from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura has reached Mumbai via the Strait of Hormuz, authorities said.
The vessel, Shenlong Suezmax, arrived after Iran cleared it for passage through the strategic waterway amid rising pressure on shipping routes.
Full Story: After Jaishankar-Araghchi talks, India-bound tanker threads Hormuz chokepoint to reach Mumbai
watch | Liberia-flagged tanker ship 'Shenlong' enters Indian waters near Mumbai Port. It was captained by an Indian and was loaded with crude oil from the Saudi port Ras Tanura.
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2026
Latest visuals from Mumbai Port pic.twitter.com/4BWABAsZ88
Rescued sailors moved to safety near Basra
Indian authorities said the surviving crew members were taken to a small island near Basra after being pulled from the water by a support tug during the emergency evacuation.
Firefighting vessels remain deployed at the site as teams work to control the blaze on the tanker carrying around 48,000 tonnes of naphtha.
Indian sailor killed in Iran attack on US-owned tanker near Basra
An Indian crew member was killed after a US-owned crude oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu, came under attack near Basra in Iraq, the Indian Embassy in Baghdad confirmed on Thursday.
The remaining 15 Indian sailors onboard were evacuated safely and moved to a secure location after the strike in the Persian Gulf. Iran has reportedly claimed responsibility for the assault, saying underwater drones were used to hit two oil tankers in the area.
The embassy said it is in constant contact with Iraqi authorities and the rescued crew, while extending condolences to the family of the deceased sailor.
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Report says injuries from earlier Kuwait strike were worse than first disclosed
A CBS News report said an earlier Iranian drone strike in Kuwait that killed six US service members left many more personnel with serious injuries than initially known.
According to the report, victims suffered shrapnel wounds, burns, brain trauma, and memory loss, with some still being treated in the US and Germany.
Kuwait says drone hit residential building in south
Kuwait’s Defence Ministry said an “enemy drone” struck a residential building in the south of the country on Thursday morning.
At least two people were wounded, while the strike also caused material damage. Authorities have not yet given details on the drone’s origin.
Three crew members feared trapped on Thai vessel in Hormuz
Three crew members of the Thai-flagged vessel Mayuree Naree are feared trapped in the engine room after a maritime strike in the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera.
The vessel’s operator, Precious Shipping, said the missing men are believed to still be inside the ship after the attack.
Crude tanker reaches Mumbai after Iran clears Hormuz transit
A Liberian-flagged tanker captained by an Indian and carrying crude from Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura has reached Mumbai via the Strait of Hormuz, authorities said.
The vessel, Shenlong Suezmax, arrived after Iran cleared it for passage through the strategic waterway amid rising pressure on shipping routes.
Full Story: After Jaishankar-Araghchi talks, India-bound tanker threads Hormuz chokepoint to reach Mumbai
watch | Liberia-flagged tanker ship 'Shenlong' enters Indian waters near Mumbai Port. It was captained by an Indian and was loaded with crude oil from the Saudi port Ras Tanura.
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2026
Latest visuals from Mumbai Port pic.twitter.com/4BWABAsZ88
India activates 24-hour control room over maritime threat
The Shipping Ministry said a 24-hour control room has been operating since February 28 to track developments and coordinate help for Indian seafarers.
Authorities, ship managers, and recruitment agencies are also working with Indian missions and local officials to respond quickly if assistance is needed.
India monitors 28 vessels in Persian Gulf region
India’s Shipping Ministry said 28 Indian-flagged vessels are currently operating in the Persian Gulf region, with 778 Indian seafarers onboard.
Of these, 24 ships are west of the Strait of Hormuz and four are east of it. The ministry said their safety is being actively monitored round the clock.
Iran to allow Indian-flagged ships safe passage through Hormuz
Sources said Iranian authorities have decided to allow Indian-flagged vessels to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, where traffic has sharply slowed since the conflict escalated.
The move comes even as Iran has warned that ships crossing the strait without its approval could be targeted.
One dead, 38 rescued after tanker incident near Iraq
Rescue teams recovered 38 people, including one confirmed dead, after two vessels were hit in a serious maritime incident near Iraq, officials said.
Firefighting tugs were deployed to tackle blazes on both ships, while search teams continued looking for missing crew members after the attack near Al Basrah.
Iraqi oil port operations suspended after tanker attacks
Iraq has suspended operations at its oil ports after attacks on tankers near its waters, according to Iraqi authorities cited by state media.
Commercial ports remain open, but officials said the decision followed an incident involving a tanker in a ship-to-ship transfer zone, where an explosion triggered fires and a major rescue response.
WHO flags mounting strain on health systems across region
World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said health systems across the Middle East are under severe stress as the conflict stretches deeper into its second week.
He cited more than 1,300 deaths and 9,000 injuries in Iran, at least 570 deaths in Lebanon, and rising attacks on healthcare facilities in multiple countries since February 28.
Israel-linked strike hits industrial area near Tehran
A fresh US-Israeli strike has hit an industrial area in Rabat Karim, around 27 km southwest of Tehran, according to reports cited by Al Jazeera from Mehr News Agency.
Local officials said one of the sites struck was an abandoned warehouse. The attack came as the conflict entered its 13th day, with fighting still widening across the region.
Gulf energy infrastructure under pressure as oil prices surge
Energy facilities across the Gulf have come under increasing strain as the conflict disrupts shipping and production.
Brent crude briefly climbed close to USD 120 per barrel earlier this week before easing slightly.
Energy companies in the region have reported operational disruptions as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes.
Bahrain urges residents to stay indoors after major blaze
Authorities in Bahrain issued an advisory asking residents in parts of Muharraq Governorate to remain indoors after a large fire broke out.
People in Hidd, Arad, Qalali and Samaheej were asked to close windows and ventilation openings due to heavy smoke.
The blaze followed reports of an earlier strike on fuel storage facilities in the area.
Iran outlines conditions for ending the war
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the conflict could end if Iran’s rights were recognised and international guarantees were provided to prevent future attacks.
He said Tehran remained committed to regional peace but demanded reparations and assurances against further aggression.
The remarks came during discussions with the leaders of Russia and Pakistan, Iranian state media reported.
India condemns attack on cargo ship bound for Gujarat
India expressed concern after the Thai-flagged cargo vessel Mayuree Naree, bound for Kandla port in Gujarat, was struck by missiles in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Ministry of External Affairs said targeting commercial shipping during the conflict was deeply concerning and must be avoided.
Twenty crew members were rescued by Oman’s navy, while search operations continue for three missing sailors.
US plans to release 172 million barrels from strategic reserves
The US Department of Energy said it plans to release 172 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve beginning next week.
Officials said the process would take about 120 days, aimed at easing volatility in global energy markets.
The announcement comes as oil prices have surged since the conflict began in late February.
Iran warns ships must seek approval to cross Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards naval commander Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri said vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz must obtain Iran’s permission.
He claimed two ships that ignored earlier warnings were targeted while trying to cross the strategic waterway.
Iran has tightened restrictions on shipping through the strait amid the ongoing conflict.
Container ship also struck near UAE waters
In a separate maritime incident, a container ship was hit by a projectile about 35 nautical miles north of Jebel Ali in the UAE, according to UKMTO.
The strike caused a small fire onboard, though all crew members were reported safe.
The agency said it continues to monitor the situation as shipping risks escalate across Gulf waters.
Tankers hit by projectiles in northern Gulf; fires reported onboard
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued an “ATTACK” warning after two commercial tankers were struck by unknown projectiles in the northern Gulf, about 5 nautical miles south of Al Basrah in Iraq.
Officials said the impact triggered fires onboard both vessels, but crews were evacuated safely.
Authorities are investigating the incident and have advised ships in the area to exercise extreme caution and report suspicious activity.
US says more than 5,500 targets struck inside Iran under ‘Operation Epic Fury’
The top US commander overseeing the campaign against Iran said American forces have carried out thousands of strikes across Iranian territory since launching Operation Epic Fury.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, said the operation has hit more than 5,500 targets, including over 60 ships, as Washington intensifies pressure on Tehran’s military capabilities.
He said the strikes have focused on missile systems, drone networks, naval assets and parts of Iran’s defence industry, adding that US forces continue to deliver “devastating combat power” against the Iranian regime.
Israel launches ‘wide-scale’ strikes on Iran after missile alarms across country
The Israeli military said it launched a new “wide-scale wave of strikes” on Iran early Thursday, shortly after warning sirens sounded across Israel over incoming Iranian missile attacks.
Residents in Tel Aviv reported loud explosions, while Israeli broadcaster Kan said debris had fallen at multiple locations. Emergency teams from Magen David Adom were dispatched to check for injuries where missiles or fragments were reported.
The attacks came after Hezbollah fired around 100 rockets and several drones into northern Israel, while Iran launched additional missiles towards multiple locations. Authorities said at least two civilians were lightly injured.
Oil market intervention debate intensifies in Washington
Reports in US media have suggested internal debate within the Trump administration over emergency intervention in global oil markets.
According to those reports, officials initially resisted releasing large reserves before quickly reversing course as energy prices surged.
The White House said the move to release oil from reserves was consistent with earlier plans to stabilise markets during the conflict.
White House reiterates objectives of ‘Operation Epic Fury’
Officials said the US military operation is focused on destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, weakening its navy, and blocking any pathway to nuclear weapons.
The administration has also stated that the campaign aims to stop Iran from funding or directing militant groups outside its borders.
Senior defence officials described the mission as an unprecedented effort to neutralise threats posed by Tehran.
White House rejects media criticism over Iran war strategy
The White House has pushed back against criticism from major US newspapers regarding Washington’s handling of the war.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt accused sections of the media of spreading a “fake narrative” suggesting confusion over the objectives of Operation Epic Fury.
She said the administration had clearly outlined its military goals since the start of the campaign.
Trump claims Iran’s military capabilities largely dismantled
The US President repeated claims that Iranian military strength had been significantly weakened following American strikes.
“Iran is being absolutely decimated,” Trump said, adding that much of the country’s naval and air capability had already been destroyed.
He claimed US forces were now operating with little resistance over Iranian territory.
US investigates possible Iranian drone threat off California coast
Trump also said authorities were investigating intelligence suggesting a possible drone attack launched from a boat off the California coast.
He said law-enforcement agencies were examining the threat and monitoring developments closely.
“That’s being investigated… we have a lot of things happening,” Trump told reporters after returning to Washington.
Trump warns US could cripple Iran’s electricity network in one hour
US President Donald Trump said Washington had the capability to disable Iran’s power infrastructure rapidly if the conflict escalates further.
“We could take apart their electric capacity within one hour,” Trump told reporters, adding that it could take Iran decades to rebuild.
He said the United States preferred not to pursue that option unless the situation worsened.
Bahrain says global community united against Iranian strikes
Bahrain’s UN envoy Jamal Fares Alrowaiei said the Security Council resolution reflected broad international opposition to Iran’s actions.
Addressing the council, he said the global community had made it clear that attacks on sovereign states in the region were unacceptable.
He added that Bahrain itself had not taken part in the US-Israel strikes on Iran, despite being targeted later.
Iran criticises Security Council resolution as ‘manifest injustice’
Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, Amir-Saeid Iravani, strongly criticised the resolution adopted by the Security Council.
He described it as a “manifest injustice” and argued that Iran was the victim of aggression following the earlier strikes by the United States and Israel.
Iravani said the vote represented “a serious setback to the Council’s credibility.”
Russia’s rival UNSC resolution fails to secure enough votes
A separate resolution proposed by Russia seeking an immediate end to the escalation and condemning attacks on civilians failed to pass in the Security Council.
The draft did not receive the required nine votes, effectively blocking its adoption.
Pakistan, China, Russia, and Somalia supported the proposal, while nine countries abstained and the United States voted against it.
UNSC adopts resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on Gulf neighbours
The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution condemning Iran’s attacks on several West Asian neighbours, in a move backed by India and more than 130 other countries.
Russia and China did not veto the resolution but abstained, allowing it to pass with the support of the remaining 13 council members.
The resolution calls on Iran to immediately halt attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan, while also highlighting the growing regional instability triggered by the conflict.
Trump says operation against Iran named ‘Epic Fury’
Trump revealed that the military campaign against Iran was launched under the name “Epic Fury.”
He said he selected the name from a list of around 20 options presented by US military commanders.
“I saw ‘Epic Fury’ and said, ‘I like that name,’” Trump said, recalling the moment he approved the operation’s title.
US claims major strikes on Iranian naval assets in the Gulf
Trump said US forces had targeted Iranian naval capabilities in the Gulf to prevent potential threats to commercial shipping.
“We have knocked out 58 naval ships… We knocked out their navy,” he said, adding that several vessels involved in laying sea mines had also been destroyed.
According to the US President, American forces also used specialised weapons previously deployed against maritime drug trafficking networks during the operation.
Global oil reserves to be tapped as conflict raises energy concerns
Trump also announced that the International Energy Agency (IEA) has agreed to coordinate the release of 400 million barrels of oil from national petroleum reserves worldwide.
He said the move was intended to stabilise energy markets as the conflict continues.
“My administration is also working to keep the oil flowing all over,” Trump said, adding that the release would help reduce global oil prices.
Trump links new strikes to earlier operations against Iranian targets
The US President also referred to earlier military actions carried out during his presidency, including the killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani and ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
Trump said an earlier operation, “Operation Midnight Hammer,” had targeted Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“We don’t want to go back every two years… That’s why we got to finish it,” he said while explaining the renewed military campaign.
Trump claims US strikes have crippled Iran’s military network
US President Donald Trump said military operations conducted over the past 11 days have significantly degraded Iran’s defence capabilities.
Speaking at an event in Kentucky, Trump said American forces had “virtually destroyed” Iran’s military infrastructure, adding that the country’s air force and radar systems had been neutralised soon after the campaign began.
“Their air force is gone… They no longer have radar. They don’t have anti-aircraft equipment. Their missiles are down by 90 per cent. Their drones are down by 85 per cent,” Trump said.
He added that US forces were also targeting facilities where missiles and drones are produced.
Putin also holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Following the conversation with Washington earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a separate discussion with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders reviewed the recent escalation in the Middle East, which Moscow attributed to what it described as “the United States’ and Israel’s armed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
The conversation is part of a series of contacts between Moscow and Riyadh as the situation in the region continues to evolve.
India assists citizens amid disruptions across West Asia
Indian missions in the region have stepped up assistance to citizens as travel disruptions and security concerns continue.
The Indian Embassy in Beirut said a charter flight carrying 177 Indian nationals departed for New Delhi on Wednesday. The passengers were seen off at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport by Ambassador Noor Rahman Sheikh.
In Qatar, more than 500 Indians travelled to India on Qatar Airways flights on March 11, with departures to cities including New Delhi and Mumbai.
The embassy said two additional Qatar Airways flights were scheduled on March 12 to facilitate further travel and urged Indian residents to remain cautious and follow official advisories.
IndiGo plans gradual restoration of flights across West Asia
Indian airline IndiGo said it will resume flights to nine destinations across West Asia on Thursday, along with select services to Europe, as operations begin to normalise after disruptions caused by the conflict.
In a travel advisory, the airline said the flights will operate subject to safety assessments and regulatory approvals, as it coordinates closely with authorities in the region.
“IndiGo continues to coordinate closely with the relevant authorities to progressively restore its flight operations across the Middle East,” the airline said in a post on X.
Passengers were advised to check the latest flight status before leaving for the airport, as schedules may change depending on developments in the region.
Putin also holds talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Following the conversation with Washington earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a separate discussion with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
According to the Kremlin, the two leaders reviewed the recent escalation in the Middle East, which Moscow attributed to what it described as “the United States’ and Israel’s armed aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
The conversation is part of a series of contacts between Moscow and Riyadh as the situation in the region continues to evolve.
Washington warns Moscow against involvement in Iran conflict
The United States has cautioned Russia against becoming directly involved in the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and American forces.
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the message was conveyed during a recent call between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking during a Pentagon briefing, Hegseth said the leaders’ discussion opened “an opportunity for some peace” in the Ukraine war, but also included a clear acknowledgement that Russia “should not be involved” in the Iran conflict.
The Kremlin described the call as “businesslike, open and constructive,” with aide Yuri Ushakov confirming that the two leaders discussed the Iran crisis and the possibility of broader diplomatic talks.
Russia, Saudi Arabia discuss efforts to prevent escalation
Amid the rising tensions, Russia and Saudi Arabia held fresh diplomatic consultations focused on preventing the crisis from worsening.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan by phone. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, both sides stressed the importance of consolidating international efforts to stop the situation from deteriorating further.
The talks come days after Lavrov and his Saudi counterpart also reviewed developments in Syria, Yemen and the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, agreeing to maintain close coordination to promote a long-term settlement through dialogue.
Saudi Arabia intercepts more drones near eastern oil facilities
Saudi Arabia said its defence forces intercepted several drones over the country’s eastern region, including aircraft believed to be heading towards the Shaybah oil field.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Defence, two drones were brought down over the Empty Quarter desert. Authorities said the aircraft had been approaching the strategic oil installation before being neutralised.
Earlier, the ministry reported that 18 unmanned aerial vehicles had already been shot down in the eastern territories. Officials later confirmed that two more drones were destroyed in the same region.