The conflict in West Asia took another dangerous turn on March 20, with Iran launching fresh strikes and Israel putting its defences on high alert. Overnight, missile alerts were sounded in parts of Israel, while leaders on both sides hardened their positions, making it clear that the crisis is still moving in the wrong direction.
What began on February 28 has now grown far beyond a three-country confrontation. The fighting is hitting energy routes, dragging in regional powers, and forcing countries like India, Japan, and the UK to respond to the fallout. With the Strait of Hormuz under strain and oil markets already reacting, the war is no longer just a battlefield story; it is now a global one.
In Nowruz message, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei hails 'resounding triumphs' achieved by Iran in war
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Friday said Iran had achieved "resounding triumphs" in "third imposed war", while praising the resilience of the Iranian people and the country's armed forces, the Iranian State Media Press TV reported.
In a message delivered on the occasion of the Persian New Year and greetings for Eid al-Fitr to Muslims worldwide, Mojtaba said 'enemies' had attempted to instil fear and despair among the Iranian nation but failed, according to Press TV.
"The enemy attacked Iran with illusion to instil fear, despair in nation, but to no avail," Mojtaba said. He added that Iran had endured several challenges over the past year. "Our noble people endured three confrontations of military, security nature past year," he said.
Mojtaba also said national cohesion would strengthen in the face of pressure from adversaries. "Cohesion amongst people will become stronger, and enemies will be disgraced," he said. The Iranian leader accused Israel of using "false-flag tactics" aimed at creating divisions between Iran and its neighbouring countries.
Mojtaba also announced the theme for the new Persian year as "Resilient economy alongside national unity, security," stressing the importance of economic stability, Press TV reported.
"Boosting people's livelihood a form of significant defence against economic war," he added. (ANI)
'NATO is a Paper Tiger': Trump says US will remember 'cowards'
US President Donald Trump on Friday slammed the NATO for refusing to help the United States in its war against Iran, calling the security alliance a "paper tiger".
He apparently called the NATO countries "cowards" and added that the US will "remember". "Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!" Trump said in a post on Truth Social. "COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!" he added.
As Middle East conflict escalates, China calls for pause in fighting for greater good
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Friday that the current conflict in the Middle East is continuing to escalate and expand. It is not only undermining peace and stability in the region, but also directly impacting international energy, finance, trade and shipping, harming the common interests of all countries. History and reality have repeatedly shown that military force is not a solution to problems, and armed confrontation will only breed new hatred. The parties concerned should immediately press the pause button on military operations to prevent the situation from deteriorating further, Lin told a regular press conference.
China will continue to engage in mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire and end the hostilities, so that peace and stability can return to the Middle East at an early date, Lin said."
Watch: Iran launches missile towards US and Israeli targets
https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2034920960902799853
Mojtaba Khamenei offers condolences on killing of Iranian Intelligence Minister
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, offered condolences on the killing of Iranian Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib to President Masoud Pezeshkian.
Also, Iran's Tasnim News quoted a statement from Khamenei to the President where he said, "Undoubtedly, their absence must be compensated by the redoubled efforts of other officials and employees of that sensitive ministry, and security must be wrested from internal and external enemies and bestowed upon the general public of our compatriots."
IRGC Spokesperson Brigadier Gen Ali Mohammad Naeini killed in US-Israeli attacks
Iranian state media Press TV said on Friday that the spokesperson of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini was killed in US-Israeli strikes.
This comes after several leaders of the Iranian top brass have been eliminated in US-Israeli strikes since the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.
On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces announced that they killed Esmaeil Khatib, the Iranian Minister of Intelligence. The IDF said that Khatib operated against Iranian citizens during the Mahsa Amini protests (2022-2023).
Arms build-up grows as Gulf nations boost defence preparedness
The ongoing tensions are driving increased US arms sales to Gulf countries, seen as necessary for defence but also reinforcing the role of the global defence industry in prolonged conflicts, the expert noted.
US deepening role makes conflict harder to exit: Expert
Sachdev said the United States is now deeply embedded in the conflict, making a disengagement increasingly complex as the war becomes a matter of strategic and political prestige.
Expert flags shift in Gulf strategy as war reshapes alliances
Foreign affairs expert Robinder Sachdev said the conflict is pushing Gulf nations towards stronger military coordination, with the GCC potentially evolving into a more formal defence alliance amid rising regional threats.
UAE, US discuss regional security amid escalating tensions
Leaders of the UAE and the United States discussed regional security and condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, reaffirming coordination amid the crisis.
US lawmakers split over Iran war justification
A US congressional hearing exposed divisions over the Iran conflict, with Democrats questioning whether there was credible intelligence to justify military action.
EU warns of migration risks, calls for de-escalation
European Union leaders warned the conflict could trigger migration pressures and pledged readiness to mobilise resources. They also called for restraint and protection of critical infrastructure.
Iranian FM warns of ‘zero restraint’ if infrastructure hit again
Iran’s Foreign Minister said Tehran had shown restraint so far but warned of a stronger response if its infrastructure is targeted again, raising fears of further escalation.
Missile and drone alerts across Gulf as UAE, Saudi intercept threats
Air defence systems were activated across parts of the Gulf, with the UAE intercepting incoming threats and Saudi Arabia downing drones in its eastern region. Kuwait was also reportedly targeted, signalling a wider regional spillover.
Qatar LNG hit cuts output by 17%, raises India energy concerns
Missile strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City have reduced LNG export capacity by 17%, with losses estimated at USD 20 billion annually. Repairs could take up to five years, forcing long-term supply disruptions and raising concerns for India, which depends on Qatar for nearly half of its LNG imports.
Iran launches fresh strikes targeting Israel, US bases
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said its latest wave of attacks targeted central and southern Israel, including Tel Aviv, along with US military bases across the region. Israeli authorities confirmed missile launches and activated air defence systems to intercept incoming threats.
Emergency alerts issued across Israel as missiles detected
Israel’s Home Front Command sent urgent alerts to civilians, asking them to move into protected shelters. Authorities said people must remain inside until further instructions, stressing that compliance with safety directives is critical.
Israel says it is ‘winning’, Iran being ‘decimated’
Netanyahu asserted that Iran’s air defences, navy, and command systems have been severely hit. He said hundreds of missile launchers and production units have been destroyed, though no independent verification was provided.
Netanyahu claims Iran’s missile, nuclear capabilities ‘wiped out’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said joint US-Israel operations have destroyed Iran’s ability to produce missiles and enrich uranium. He claimed Iran’s military infrastructure and industrial base are being systematically dismantled.
Trump says he warned Israel against striking gas fields
US President Donald Trump said he had advised Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu not to target Iran’s South Pars gas field. However, he also indicated that Israel acts independently at times, even as both sides maintain coordination.
Iran warns regional countries over US military bases
Iran has asked West Asian countries to stop allowing the US to use bases on their soil for operations against Tehran. It warned that countries facilitating such actions could be treated as accomplices.
G7 nations condemn Iran over attacks on vessels, energy sites
Major economies, including the UK, France, Germany, and Japan, condemned Iran’s strikes on civilian infrastructure and commercial vessels. They also flagged the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a serious threat to global trade.
China calls for immediate de-escalation, warns on energy impact
China urged all sides to halt military actions, saying the conflict is already disrupting global energy security. It warned of wider economic fallout if tensions continue to rise.
UK deploys military planners to help reopen Strait of Hormuz
The UK has sent a team of military planners to coordinate with the US on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid fears over disrupted oil shipments through the key maritime route.
Qatar calls Iran strike ‘dangerous escalation’
Qatar said Iran’s attack on the Ras Laffan energy complex was an unacceptable violation and a major escalation. It warned the strike could have serious consequences for global energy supply.
Turkey backs Qatar, calls attacks ‘unjustifiable’
Turkey condemned the strike on Qatar, saying attacks on civilian infrastructure cannot be defended under any circumstances. It urged diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
UAE, US discuss regional security as tensions rise
UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed and US President Donald Trump discussed the conflict and its impact on regional stability. Washington reiterated its support for Gulf nations facing attacks.
UAE dismantles network linked to Iran, Hezbollah
UAE authorities said they uncovered and dismantled a network allegedly linked to Iran and Hezbollah. Officials said the group was involved in financial activities that threatened national security.
India steps up diplomacy, announces Rs 497 crore relief package
India said it is working with global partners to secure energy supplies and ensure safe passage for shipments. The government also announced a Rs 497 crore package to support exporters affected by disruptions.
India ensures safe passage for LPG vessels through Hormuz
Officials said diplomatic efforts helped secure safe transit for two Indian LPG ships through the Strait of Hormuz. India said it remains engaged with multiple stakeholders to safeguard its interests.
Japan backs US, flags global energy risks
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi backed US efforts in the region and warned that the crisis could hit the global economy hard. She stressed the need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for energy supplies.
Iran says Kharg Island operations continue despite US strikes
Iranian state media said operations at Kharg Island, a key oil export hub, remain normal despite recent US attacks. Officials claimed only military infrastructure was damaged.
Iran women’s football team gets hero’s welcome amid tensions
Iran’s national women’s football team received a large public reception in Tehran after returning from Australia. The event comes at a time of heightened national mobilisation during the ongoing conflict.