Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denied claims that Israel dragged the US into war with Iran, saying he is “alive” and asserting that Iran can no longer enrich uranium or produce ballistic missiles.
Leading European nations and Japan condemned attacks attributed to Iran and said they are ready to help secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and stabilise energy markets amid rising global disruption.
Iran faces a key leadership transition following the reported killing of Ali Larijani in an Israeli airstrike, with hardline figure Saeed Jalili emerging as a leading contender to replace him and potentially signal a shift toward more hardline policies.
Three weeks of conflict in the Middle East have upended the entire energy supply chain
An Iranian missile strike hit refinery facilities in Haifa, causing limited damage and brief power outages, with no casualties reported, Israeli officials said.
“Who knows better about surprise than Japan?” Trump said, turning to Takaichi with a chuckle. “Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?”
Many governments still see diplomacy as the most viable route, though progress has been limited. Escalating attacks on energy infrastructure have hardened positions, reducing the likelihood of immediate talks.
Donald Trump said he urged Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid further strikes on Iran’s gas infrastructure amid rising tensions, as the U.S. rules out oil export curbs while addressing surging energy costs.
Iran responded to the massive US-Israeli air campaign launched late last month with barrages of missiles and drones that have caused deaths and damage in various Gulf countries, which have been forced to expend significant military resources to counter attacks.
Oil markets have already been shaken by Iran's blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, but prices surged again amid fears of further attacks on energy sites.
The leaders said the escalating conflict had raised global concerns and called on Tehran to halt its actions.
Trump said he was not sending ground troops to Iran, weeks after he launched massive missile and bombing attacks alongside Israel.
The statement also pressed for an “immediate halt to all attacks, and unconditional cessation of any provocative acts or threats against neighboring states,” alongside an end to support, financing, and arming of affiliated groups operating in the region.
Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for US Central Command, stated that the fifth-generation stealth jet was conducting a combat mission over Iran at the time it was forced to make an emergency landing
Iran has opened an “approved” shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, requiring prior clearance and transit fees, signalling growing control over a vital route while excluding U.S. and Israeli-linked vessels.
With reports of clogged sewage systems, a major fire in a laundry unit, and growing frustration among sailors after extended deployment, questions are now being asked.
Oil prices jumped 10 percent after Qatar reported "extensive" damage to a major liquefied natural gas facility following Iranian strikes, heightening fears about supply disruptions.
Under a high energy price scenario, energy-importing regions such as Asia and Europe would face the sharpest reductions in trade growth, while fuel-exporting economies could see some offsetting gains
Russian journalist Steve Sweeney and cameraman Ali Rida were injured near Al-Qasmiya Bridge in southern Lebanon after an Israeli strike. Russia condemned the attack, while Israel said civilians were warned.
QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi said the state-owned gas company may have to declare force majeure on long-term contracts as damages may take 3-5 years to repair
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the “largest strike package yet” against Iran, highlighting over 7,000 targets hit, reduced Iranian missile activity, and reaffirming that the war will end on US terms.
India’s probe found Matthew VanDyke’s team used Mizoram to access Myanmar rebels, aiming to train fighters in drone warfare, raising concerns over regional instability and cross-border insurgent linkages.
While Jilani has attempted to downplay the scope of Pakistan’s arsenal, the episode has once again exposed the opacity and persistent concerns surrounding Islamabad’s nuclear programme.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington may “unsanction” Iranian oil and release more from strategic reserves as Middle East conflict drives global energy prices sharply higher.
Senior commanders have been killed, and critical facilities have been targeted. On paper, this suggests a country under pressure and potentially close to negotiating. But that assumption has not held.
US-Israel-Iran War News: From Qatar’s LNG backbone to Saudi Arabia’s export arteries, the strikes are now threatening global energy stability.
Brent crude surged above $110 amid Middle East tensions, shaking markets. As a global benchmark, it reflects supply fears, influencing oil prices worldwide despite not being directly consumed.
For Pakistan, the window to avoid involvement is narrowing. Its attempt to stay out of the conflict while maintaining alliance commitments is beginning to look increasingly unsustainable.
Kim Jong Un secured near-total victory in North Korea’s election, with no opposition candidates, minimal dissent reported, and constitutional changes reinforcing his absolute, centralised control over state and institutions.
Pete Hegseth said US war with Iran will not be prolonged, stressing decisive strikes and preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
In a statement issued in response to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has consistently opposed targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy facilities.
Pakistan’s former foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani rejected US claims that its missiles could reach America, insisting its nuclear programme remains India-focused amid renewed tensions over strategic capabilities.
US-Israel-Iran War: Alongside energy supply disruptions, there are growing concerns that global internet infrastructure could be affected if tensions escalate further.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Macron on Thursday, underscoring the 'urgent need for de-escalation, as well as a return to dialogue and diplomacy'.
Russia has seen a rise in demand for its exports since the Iran war trapped a chunk of global oil production in the Gulf
Iran War News: The WHO said health officials are closely monitoring developments and planning for worst-case scenarios, including attacks on nuclear facilities.
Brent crude climbed past $115 per barrel, while concerns mounted over the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas flows.
Israel attacked Iran's South Pars gas field, but the U.S. and Qatar were not involved, President Donald Trump said late on Wednesday
Emmanuel Macron warned of reckless escalation after Iran hit Gulf energy sites, urging US-Iran talks to prevent long-term damage to global energy supplies.
Pakistan and Afghanistan on Wednesday announced a halt in fighting during celebrations for the end of Ramadan, after the deadliest strike in their escalating conflict killed hundreds in Kabul earlier this week.
The statement came after Pakistan conducted “precision airstrikes” on alleged terrorist sites in Afghanistan, while Kabul accused it of striking a rehabilitation hospital and killing at least 400 people
Iran is weighing transit fees on ships through the Strait of Hormuz, seeking to leverage its strategic control after war disruptions, with officials signalling potential restrictions on Western-linked vessels.
BlackRock CEO Larry Fink warns AI disruption could push graduate unemployment higher for the class of 2026, even without a recession.
The US Department of Defence has asked the White House to approve the massive funding request as the conflict with Iran enters its third week.
Denmark and allied forces quietly deployed troops to Greenland in January, fearing a potential US move under Donald Trump, as tensions escalated following aggressive rhetoric and global military developments.
Justice (retired) Deepak Verma appeared as a witness, aligning with Modi’s legal team in questioning the credibility of assurances given by the Indian government.
Fuel prices surge across 95 countries after Iran conflict, with spikes up to 68%. India holds steady for now amid global fuel shock.
A Palestinian man’s account, supported by witnesses and now under investigation, highlights growing concerns over attacks in the occupied territory
A US Senate hearing meant to clarify the case for war instead exposed gaps, contradictions and unanswered questions
A sharp jump in energy costs linked to the Iran war is raising fresh concerns about inflation, growth and political fallout in the US