Why any US move on Iran risks backfiring

Why any US move on Iran risks backfiring

World | Updated: Jan 14, 2026

  • Trump considers military action in Iran amid violent crackdown on protests
  • Analysts warn strikes may unify Iranians and strengthen the regime
  • US remains open to diplomacy but keeps military options on the table
‘We are waiting for them’: Iran's IRGC warns US as ground troop speculation grows

‘We are waiting for them’: Iran's IRGC warns US as ground troop speculation grows

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warned the US against deploying troops in the Middle East, threatening maritime attacks if conflict escalates. Despite rising tensions, analysts doubt a full-scale invasion, expecting limited operations instead.

Warthogs, Apaches and fighter jets: US launches ‘hunt and kill’ mission to secure Hormuz. How long will it take?

Warthogs, Apaches and fighter jets: US launches ‘hunt and kill’ mission to secure Hormuz. How long will it take?

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

The US has launched a major military operation to secure the Strait of Hormuz, deploying A-10s, Apaches, and fighter jets to counter Iranian threats disrupting global oil and LNG shipments, aiming to restore safe passage amid rising energy prices and economic risks.

Three weeks into Iran war: Who is really winning as costs surge and risks spiral | Explained

Three weeks into Iran war: Who is really winning as costs surge and risks spiral | Explained

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Three weeks after US-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, the conflict has escalated regionally, with attacks on energy infrastructure and mounting costs. Iran remains resilient, and analysts warn of prolonged war and global economic fallout.

Donald Trump calls NATO allies 'cowards' over refusal to help secure Hormuz Strait

Donald Trump calls NATO allies 'cowards' over refusal to help secure Hormuz Strait

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Trump criticises NATO allies for not supporting Hormuz mission
  • NATO moves Iraq mission amid rising regional tensions
  • NATO to continue Iraq cooperation despite repositioning
From Khamenei to Larijani to Naini: How US-Israel strikes have dismantled Iran’s power circle in three weeks of war

From Khamenei to Larijani to Naini: How US-Israel strikes have dismantled Iran’s power circle in three weeks of war

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

US-Israeli airstrikes have killed Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several top officials, but Iran quickly replaced them and continues fighting. Key figures killed include Ali Larijani, Mohammad Pakpour, Ali Shamkhani, Esmael Khatib, and others.

Russia plans to allow military to defend citizens prosecuted abroad

Russia plans to allow military to defend citizens prosecuted abroad

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Russia proposes law to use military to protect citizens abroad
  • Bill targets foreign courts prosecuting Russians
  • Decision to deploy troops rests with the Russian president
‘Mullahs are desperate and scrambling’: Pete Hegseth’s faith-war rhetoric faces scrutiny amid Iran conflict

‘Mullahs are desperate and scrambling’: Pete Hegseth’s faith-war rhetoric faces scrutiny amid Iran conflict

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth faces criticism for infusing evangelical Christian rhetoric and practices into Pentagon leadership amid conflict with Iran, raising concerns about undermining military secularism and alienating diverse service members.

Swiss ban arms exports to US during Iran war over neutrality

Swiss ban arms exports to US during Iran war over neutrality

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Switzerland stops new US arms exports over neutrality in Iran war
  • Existing licenses for US arms exports remain valid for now
  • Swiss expert group will regularly review arms exports to the US
Iran named its targets first, then struck. How Tehran exposed hidden weaknesses in US defences in the Gulf

Iran named its targets first, then struck. How Tehran exposed hidden weaknesses in US defences in the Gulf

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Iran’s targeted strikes in the Gulf expose US military and intelligence vulnerabilities, focusing on high-value assets and energy infrastructure. The strategy aims to disrupt regional stability, challenge US deterrence, and shift the balance of power in West Asia.

India, China set to revive trade via Lipulekh after 6 years: Why Nepal is opposing it | Explained

India, China set to revive trade via Lipulekh after 6 years: Why Nepal is opposing it | Explained

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

India and China will resume border trade via Lipulekh Pass in June 2026, sparking renewed India-Nepal tensions. Nepal objects, claiming the disputed region as its territory, while India sees the move as restoring traditional trade and ties with China.

'Won’t give in': Sri Lanka rejects US bid to station missile-armed warplanes at Mattala, cites neutrality amid Mid-East war

'Won’t give in': Sri Lanka rejects US bid to station missile-armed warplanes at Mattala, cites neutrality amid Mid-East war

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Sri Lanka denied US request to station missile-equipped aircraft
  • Sri Lanka denied Iran's request to dock warships in Colombo.
  • President Dissanayake stressed Sri Lanka's neutral stance
Why did Japan's PM look so uncomfortable next to Donald Trump? The Pearl Harbor 'joke' explained - VIDEO

Why did Japan's PM look so uncomfortable next to Donald Trump? The Pearl Harbor 'joke' explained - VIDEO

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Trump's Pearl Harbor joke to Japan's PM sparked viral reactions
  • Takaichi's uneasy response highlighted deep historical tensions
  • Pearl Harbor remains a sensitive topic in US-Japan relations
Work from home, drive less, fly less: IEA’s roadmap to tackle oil shock as Iran war enters fourth week

Work from home, drive less, fly less: IEA’s roadmap to tackle oil shock as Iran war enters fourth week

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

The International Energy Agency urges urgent fuel consumption cuts as West Asia war causes historic oil supply disruption via the Strait of Hormuz. Measures include remote work, lower speed limits, reduced air travel, and prioritizing LPG for essential uses.

Why Denmark prepared to destroy Greenland’s runways amid US tensions

Why Denmark prepared to destroy Greenland’s runways amid US tensions

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • US-Denmark tensions rose over Greenland's control in early 2026
  • Denmark planned to destroy runways if US tried military takeover
  • Crisis cooled by NATO talks, but sovereignty issues remain
Is Iran hoarding missiles for a ‘final strike’ or running dry? What’s behind Tehran’s sharp drop in launches

Is Iran hoarding missiles for a ‘final strike’ or running dry? What’s behind Tehran’s sharp drop in launches

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Recent data shows Iran's missile and drone attacks have sharply declined, with no evidence of stockpiling for a decisive strike. Analysts suggest Iran is prolonging the conflict, relying on attrition and economic disruption rather than overwhelming firepower.

Will US seizure of Kharg Island end the Iran war? Experts weigh in

Will US seizure of Kharg Island end the Iran war? Experts weigh in

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • US considers seizing Iran's Kharg Island to pressure Tehran
  • Kharg Island handles 90 percent of Iran's crude exports
  • Experts warn seizure could escalate conflict and face resistance
IRGC spokesman Naini warned of a ‘missile surprise’. Hours later, he was killed in an Israeli strike

IRGC spokesman Naini warned of a ‘missile surprise’. Hours later, he was killed in an Israeli strike

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard spokesperson Ali Mohammad Naini was killed in a US-Israeli strike. Iran claims its missile program remains strong, while Israel asserts Iran’s military capabilities are severely degraded, reflecting conflicting narratives amid ongoing conflict.

US defence stocks hold gains after Iran strikes, but rally cools amid spending uncertainty

US defence stocks hold gains after Iran strikes, but rally cools amid spending uncertainty

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • US defence stocks outperformed after US-Israel strikes on Iran
  • Lockheed Martin, RTX, Northrop Grumman saw mixed stock moves
  • Policy uncertainty and capital limits hinder stock gains
How mixed messaging from Trump’s team is complicating Israel’s image in the US

How mixed messaging from Trump’s team is complicating Israel’s image in the US

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • US public support for Israel is at its lowest in decades
  • Conflicting US messaging has fueled confusion about Iran conflict
  • US actions influenced by Israel may erode American support
Dubai’s luxury shopping scene slows as war hits visitor flow

Dubai’s luxury shopping scene slows as war hits visitor flow

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Dubai Mall sees sharp drop in visitors amid regional conflict
  • Luxury sales in Dubai could fall as tourism slows down
  • Supply disruptions affect product availability in stores
Firm shells out Rs 18 crore for passage of oil tanker through war-hit Strait of Hormuz: Report

Firm shells out Rs 18 crore for passage of oil tanker through war-hit Strait of Hormuz: Report

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Iran charges $2 million for safe passage through Hormuz Strait
  • India in talks with Iran for safe transit of oil vessels
  • Ships linked to US and Israel face threats in Hormuz Strait
Iran 'attacks' $100 million F-35 jet: Why the strike is a big psychological blow for US

Iran 'attacks' $100 million F-35 jet: Why the strike is a big psychological blow for US

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Iran claims to have hit a US F-35 stealth jet in its airspace
  • US officials say the F-35 was damaged, not hit, and landed safely
  • Incident suggests Iran's air defenses may have improved detection
Did Trump know or not? ‘Knew nothing’ vs ‘informed’ claims on Iran gas field strike expose US-Israel fault lines

Did Trump know or not? ‘Knew nothing’ vs ‘informed’ claims on Iran gas field strike expose US-Israel fault lines

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Israeli PM Netanyahu denied claims Israel drew the US into its conflict with Iran, calling them “ridiculous.” Trump said Israel acted alone in striking Iran’s South Pars gas field, with no US involvement. Tensions remain high amid rising casualties.

Diplomatic win for India as Canada sees no foreign link in Nijjar killing probe, flags Bishnoi ‘copycats’

Diplomatic win for India as Canada sees no foreign link in Nijjar killing probe, flags Bishnoi ‘copycats’

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

Canada’s top police official says there’s no evidence linking India to transnational repression or the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, marking a shift from earlier allegations and signaling improved bilateral relations between Canada and India.

Why Iran war has turned into Qatar's 'worst nightmare', putting its energy empire at risk

Why Iran war has turned into Qatar's 'worst nightmare', putting its energy empire at risk

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Iran missile strike damages Qatar's key LNG facility, causing losses
  • Qatar to lose $20B yearly, causing global supply issues
  • Expansion plans for North Field delayed, impacting Qatar's growth
‘Poor man’s cruise missiles’: How Iran’s drone doctrine may force India to rethink air defence

‘Poor man’s cruise missiles’: How Iran’s drone doctrine may force India to rethink air defence

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Iran uses cheap drones to force costly air defence responses
  • India faces similar threats from low-cost drones and proxy actors
  • Scalable, affordable counter-drones key for sustainable defense
'Genocide supporters' : Australian PM Albanese heckled, asked to 'get out' of Sydney mosque during Eid prayers | Watch

'Genocide supporters' : Australian PM Albanese heckled, asked to 'get out' of Sydney mosque during Eid prayers | Watch

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Albanese heckled at Sydney mosque over Gaza stance on Eid
  • Muslim community criticizes government's stance on Israel-Gaza conflict
  • Mosque leaders urged calm; Albanese praised event as "positive"
Why a brief Iranian strike will be felt for years: The victims of Qatar LNG shock, including India

Why a brief Iranian strike will be felt for years: The victims of Qatar LNG shock, including India

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Qatar LNG strike cuts 17 percent of export capacity for 3–5 years
  • Asia and Europe face tighter markets and rising LNG prices
  • Supply gaps and rationing hit Pakistan and Bangladesh hardest
Major rift between Pakistan army, ISI amid multi-front crises; Asim Munir issues blunt warning: Report

Major rift between Pakistan army, ISI amid multi-front crises; Asim Munir issues blunt warning: Report

World | Updated: Mar 20, 2026

  • Rift widens between Pakistan army and ISI over intel failures
  • Munir warns intelligence agencies to improve or face reshuffle
  • Pakistan grapples with rising security issues and internal insurgencies