US Iran War News Live: Blast heard over Jerusalem after Iran missile launch, Israeli military says

The administration of Donald Trump is considering Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a possible negotiating partner and future leader, according to a Politico report. The move signals a shift from military pressure to diplomacy, with a five-day pause on strikes and ongoing outreach to Tehran. However, skepticism remains within policy circles, while Iran has denied any talks with Washington.

At least seven rockets were fired from Iraq’s Rabi’a area toward a U.S. military base in northeastern Syria, according to security sources. Authorities later seized a rocket launcher mounted on a burnt truck believed to have been used in the attack. The strike marks the first cross-border assault on U.S. troops in Syria since the Iran conflict began, with Iraqi forces launching a search for those responsible.

US President Donald Trump approved a joint military operation against Iran following a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who reportedly urged coordinated action targeting Iran’s top leadership, according to Reuters.

Intelligence briefings indicated a potential opportunity for a “decapitation strike” on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with updated assessments suggesting changes in the timing of a key meeting in Tehran.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has reportedly called for the annexation of parts of southern Lebanon up to the Litani River, according to Reuters, in one of the clearest statements yet by a senior Israeli official on territorial expansion.

The remarks come as Israeli forces intensify operations in the region, carrying out strikes on infrastructure and residential areas in what it says is action against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants, with tensions escalating after cross-border attacks prompted military responses.

Jaishankar holds talks with US Secretary Rubio amid focus on West Asia conflict

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said he held a detailed telephonic conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, focusing on the ongoing West Asia conflict and its impact on the global economy.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said the two leaders also discussed energy security concerns and agreed to remain in contact as the situation develops.

President Donald Trump said Monday that renewed discussions with Iran began after he threatened to bomb its energy infrastructure. “We were planning tomorrow on shooting down some of their power plants, and we’re not going to, we’re going to hold that up,” he said, adding, “They want peace.”

US President Donald Trump said Iran wants peace and “agreed it will not have a nuclear weapon,” highlighting potential diplomatic progress amid ongoing regional tensions.

US President Donald Trump said the United States “has eliminated everything there is to eliminate” in Iran, asserting the country’s military capabilities have been largely destroyed and signalling confidence in winding down operations.

US President Donald Trump said the world will be “much safer soon” as pressure mounts on Iran, indicating ongoing efforts and talks could ease tensions in the Middle East and lead to improved global security amid the conflict.

US President Donald Trump said Iran has one more chance to end threats to America, signalling that ongoing discussions and potential agreements could avert further conflict. “We’ll see where they lead,” he told reporters, emphasising a diplomatic window even as tensions remain high in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump said discussions with Iran are aimed at determining whether a broader agreement can be reached to end the Middle East conflict. He acknowledged the talks could lead to progress—but stressed that “I'm not guaranteeing anything,” while pressing Tehran to agree to terms covering nuclear weapons and other key points.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman reiterated there have been no talks with the United States, state‑run IRNA news agency reported. “Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz and the prerequisites for ending the war remains exactly as before,” IRNA quoted Esmail Baghaei as saying, denying claims of negotiations with Washington.

Verified footage shows a large explosion at Iran’s naval facility in Sirjan, with flames and thick black smoke rising from the site, BBC reports. Seconds later, another blast sends a massive fireball into the air. Heat signatures confirmed by NASA’s FIRMS system corroborate the event. The strike’s perpetrator, 270 km from the Gulf coast, remains unclear.

Several strong explosions and air alert sirens were reported on Monday in Bahrain, the first since US President Donald Trump announced talks to end the war with Iran, an AFP journalist said. “Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” Bahrain’s interior ministry advised on social media.

The International Committee of the Red Cross on Monday called for an end to the “war on essential infrastructure” in the Middle East, warning of potential “irreversible consequences,” including threats to nuclear facilities. “What we have seen in recent days in the Middle East risks reaching a point of no return,” said ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, posted on X refuting Trump’s claim, saying no negotiations have been held with the US. “All Iranian officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people,” he added, noting that “fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire” of the US and Israel.

Amid rising Middle East tensions, mediators are working to convene a meeting in Islamabad later this week with Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, US envoy Steve Witkoff, and American figures Jared Kushner and JD Vance, Axios reported, citing an Israeli official. Israeli sources said talks could begin as early as this week, signaling a potential diplomatic opening.

US President Donald Trump said oil prices would “drop like a rock” if a deal ends the war with Iran, calling the chance “very serious” but adding, “I'm not guaranteeing anything.” He noted Washington and Tehran are discussing 15 points, with Iran giving up nuclear weapons covered in “number one, two and three,” while seeking a “very serious form of regime change.”

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said President Trump’s announcement of a halt on attacks targeting Iranian energy infrastructure was a welcome step, as European officials continue advocating for de-escalation and the protection of critical civilian sites.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain must plan for the possibility that the Middle East war could last “for some time” and warned against taking “false comfort” in a quick resolution. He added that all focus is on de-escalation and welcomed “any reports of productive talks” between the US and Iran.

President Donald Trump told CNN Monday that the Strait of Hormuz will be “open very soon” and hopes it will be “jointly controlled” with Iran. He added, “There’s automatically a regime change,” citing early strikes, while praising Iranian figures as “very reasonable, very solid” in weekend talks aimed at winding down the conflict.

President Donald Trump said Monday that “regime change” is effectively underway in Iran, while cautioning that if talks with Iranian figures fail, “we'll just keep bombing our little hearts out.” He clarified discussions are with “very reasonable” officials, not new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, adding many top figures have already been killed in the conflict.

President Donald Trump downplayed easing sanctions on Iranian oil, saying it wouldn’t “have any difference” in the war. “I just want to have as much oil in the system as possible,” he told CNN, adding, “Any small amount of money that Iran gets won’t have any difference in this war.”

President Donald Trump indicated he may still pursue $200 billion in Pentagon funding, even as he seeks to wind down war with Iran. “It’s nice to have — it’s always nice to have, it’s a very inflamed world,” he told CNN, adding Democrats largely “inflame it.” Trump earlier highlighted “very good and productive conversations” with Iran.

US President Donald Trump said there are “major points of agreement” with Iran after late-night discussions Sunday with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He added, “They went, I would say, perfectly,” and said Iran initiated the talks. Trump specified the US is speaking to a “respected” leader, not Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

US President Donald Trump told AFP that “things are going very well” with Iran after announcing a five-day pause on strikes. He said the US is speaking with the “top person” in Iran, not the supreme leader, and demanded Iran give up its enriched uranium stockpile.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry declined to comment Monday on relaying messages between Iran and the US. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held calls with counterparts from Iran, Pakistan, Norway, Egypt, and others, as part of ongoing efforts “to end the war,” officials said.

Senior officials from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan held separate talks on Monday with US envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Axios reported, as regional powers pass messages between Washington and Tehran amid efforts to de‑escalate tensions and avoid wider conflict

US Iran War News Live: Iran shows underground missile arsenal, calls it 'tip of the iceberg'

A video from Iran’s state‑run IRIB News shows rows of missiles inside an underground facility, described as “the tip of the iceberg,” released amid rising regional tensions and as Tehran seeks to demonstrate its military capabilities.

The UK government welcomed President Trump’s latest announcement. “Any reports of productive talks are welcome,” said Keir Starmer’s spokesperson. They added, “the Strait of Hormuz specifically needs to be reopened,” noting that “a swift resolution to the war is in global interests.”

German politician Friedrich Merz said he is “grateful” after US President Donald Trump delayed strikes on Iranian power plants, acknowledging a shift toward diplomacy amid ongoing Middle East tensions.

US President Donald Trump told AFP that “things are going very well” with Iran after announcing talks and a five-day pause on strikes targeting its power plants. His remarks followed a Truth Social post on negotiations that triggered a sharp drop in global oil prices.

Rosatom chief Alexei Likhachev said Russia will evacuate more workers from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant while retaining a small team. He noted a recent strike near the reactor caused no damage. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned any attack on the facility could have “irreparable” consequences.

Two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday while most traffic remained blocked. Tracking data showed Pine Gas broadcasting “India ship and crew.” Hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers remain stranded amid the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran.

Global oil prices dropped sharply after Donald Trump ordered a five-day pause on strikes targeting Iranian power plants. Brent crude fell below $100 to $96 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate slid to $85.28, reversing earlier gains driven by heightened tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

President Donald Trump said a deal with Iran could be reached “within 5 days,” adding Tehran urgently seeks an agreement. His remarks come despite Iranian media rejecting claims of ongoing talks, even as Washington signals progress following recent “very good and productive” conversations.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with Russia’s Sergei Lavrov after Donald Trump announced “very good and productive” talks with Tehran aimed at resolving hostilities. Lavrov called for an immediate halt to fighting and emphasised the need for a political settlement respecting the legitimate interests of all parties.

South Korea’s foreign minister urged Iran to guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz during a call, as risks to energy supplies grow. About 70 percent of its crude imports pass through the route. Cho Hyun called to “halt attacks on civilians and civilian facilities” and ensure “safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz”.

“The battle continues. Another defeat for Satan. Trump and the U.S. have failed again,” said MP spokesman Ibrahim Rezaei.

Reuters quoted Iran’s Fars news agency as saying, citing a source, that there has been no direct contact with Donald Trump, “not even through an intermediary”. The source claimed Trump backed down after warnings of retaliation. While Trump cited “productive” talks and paused strikes, the report said no such communication had taken place, despite US claims of engagement.

Oil prices plunged and European stocks rebounded Monday after US President Donald Trump halted strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, citing “very good” talks with Tehran. He said the US and Iran “have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East”.

US Iran War News Live: India reacts to Trump’s Iran strike pause, says 'closely monitoring'

India reacted to US President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone strikes on Iranian energy sites for five days, with MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying, “Yes, we are closely following these developments as we do...” The response comes amid ongoing US-Iran talks and heightened tensions in the Middle East region.

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, said no cargo supplier has reported any container shortage so far. He added that turnaround time could rise, though no such issue has been seen yet, and noted that all ports have offered concessions based on capacity and cargo availability.

Iran’s mission in Kabul said US President Donald Trump pulled back from plans to hit energy infrastructure following what it called a “firm warning” from Tehran. The statement followed Trump’s announcement that the United States would delay strikes on Iranian power plants and energy facilities for five days as talks continue.

Russia said its foreign minister held a call with Iran’s counterpart after recent US-Iran talks, discussing the evolving regional situation and coordination.

US Iran War News Live: Iran says Trump ‘backed down again’ after strike pause

Iran said Trump has “backed down again!” after he paused strikes on Iranian energy sites following “very good and productive talks.” He said the US and Iran “have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations,” adding strikes are delayed based on “the tenor and tone” of ongoing discussions.

Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary, (Gulf), MEA, said “since Feb 28, 375000 passengers have returned” from the Gulf. He added “Till date 1031 Indians have crossed out of Iran.”

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary, Ministry of Ports Shipping and Waterways said in the last 24 hours, “13 seafarers have been repatriated” and “no congestion has been reported at any ports.”

Oil prices plunged over 10% after Donald Trump’s remarks on the war, signalling possible de-escalation and easing market concerns.

Oman said it is “working intensively” to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions.

Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary, MoPNG, said crude oil inventories remain adequate. In the past three weeks, 3.5 lakh new commercial and domestic PNG connections were added. She noted “LPG supply is still a concern yet no dry out has been reported,” adding 20 states and UTs have received 15,800 tonnes of commercial LPG.

A series of powerful explosions were heard on Monday in the Iranian capital, an AFP journalist said, as the war with the United States and Israel entered its fourth week. The blasts shook central Tehran, rattling windows, though it was not immediately clear what was targeted.

China has acted to limit domestic fuel price increases as global oil costs surge due to Gulf tensions. The conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States has driven prices higher, with focus on the Strait of Hormuz. Beijing said the cap aims at “easing pressure on businesses and consumers while keeping the economy stable”.

Passengers at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport were rushed to shelters after sirens sounded following a missile launch from Iran, Israeli media reported. Channel 12 said explosions were heard in central Israel as air defences intercepted the missile, while Haaretz reported it may have carried cluster-type munitions.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier involved in Middle East war operations, returned Monday to a naval base in Crete, an AFP photographer said. The vessel, which resupplied at Souda Bay in February, earlier reported a laundry fire on March 12, injuring two crew members.

Iran’s foreign minister has pledged to stay in contact over the evolving Middle East situation after a phone call with South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho, the foreign ministry said, according to Reuters.

PM Narendra Modi will speak in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow on various aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict and India’s strategy.

The Israeli military on Monday confirmed that an Israeli civilian was killed on Sunday near the northern border with Lebanon during fighting with Hezbollah. Following an investigation, it said “the initial findings suggest that the Israeli civilian was killed by IDF artillery fire conducted to support IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon”.

US Iran War News Live: Iran dismisses $2 million Hormuz fee claims as baseless

Iran rejected claims of receiving $2 million from vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, saying they are “unfounded” and “merely reflect the personal views of individuals,” not its official position.

The benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty settled sharply on Monday, tracking weak global cues as the West Asia conflict entered its fourth week and pushed crude oil prices higher. The Sensex was down 1,908.44 points or 2.56 percent to close at 72,624.52. The broader Nifty declined to 22,512.65, down 601.85 points or 2.6 percent, its lowest level since April 9, 2025.

Iran's Defense Council threatens to deploy naval mines across the 'entire Persian Gulf' if a land invasion happens

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said that attacks on commercial shipping and disruptions along crucial global sea routes like the Strait of Hormuz are “unacceptable”, stressing the route’s vital role in India’s energy and trade lifelines. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Modi noted that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has intensified challenges around ensuring the steady flow of goods and maintaining supply chains, particularly for essential imports. (Read More)

Amid ongoing war between US-Israel and Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the need of electricity will increase during summers in India. "With rising temperatures, electricity demand is expected to increase. At present, all power plants in the country have adequate coal stocks. India has recorded coal production of 1 billion tonnes for the second consecutive year. All systems, from power generation to supply, are being continuously monitored. . Our renewable coal energy is at 140 gW. Under Govardhan Yojana, rooftop solar panels have been installed in more than 40 lakh houses,” said PM Modi while addressing the Lok Sabha. (Read More)

Expressing deep concern regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia, PM Narendra Modi on Monday said it is imperative that India sends a strong, unified message from Parliament as the conflict has engulfed almost every aspect of daily life. Speaking in Lok Sabha, the Prime Minister assured that the government is doing everything possible to ease the difficulties that arose from the ongoing conflict. (Read More)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that the difficult global conditions created by the ongoing war could have long-lasting effects, urging the country to stay prepared and united. He said India has faced similar challenges before, pointing to the unity shown during the COVID period, and stressed that the nation must once again come together to navigate the evolving crisis.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Indian missions in affected countries are actively assisting citizens, ensuring support for both residents and tourists in the region.

He noted that embassies are issuing regular advisories, while 24/7 control rooms and emergency helplines have been set up in India and across impacted nations to provide real-time information and assistance.

Emphasising the government's priority, Modi said ensuring the safety of Indians, both at home and abroad, remains paramount during the ongoing crisis.

In his Lok Sabha address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has significant economic and strategic interests in the conflict-hit region, noting that the country maintains extensive trade ties with nations involved in the war.

He highlighted that the region is a critical route for India's global trade, especially for a substantial share of its crude oil and gas imports. Modi also pointed out that nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries, while a large number of Indian crew members are employed on commercial ships operating in the region.

Given these factors, he said India's concerns are naturally heightened, stressing that it is important for Parliament to send out a unified voice and consensus to the world on the ongoing crisis.

It is imperative that Parliament sends across its message on West Asia crisis in one voice, says PM Modi

Number of Indian seafarers working on commercial ships in West Asia also significant, says PM Modi

Crisis in West Asia created negative impact on world economy, people, says PM Modi

India has diversified its energy basked in the last 11 years. We used to import from 27 countries, now that number has gone up to 41 countries, says PM Modi

We have worked towards ensuring that petrol, diesel supply stays uninterrupted, says PM Modi

Situation has become difficult in Strait of Hormuz. Our focus is on minimising inconvenience to households, says PM Modi

Our mission is to help stranded Indians, says PM Modi

Safety to our citizens is our govt's priority, says PM Modi

This conflict has been raging for three weeks, says PM Modi

West Asia a key route for our trade, says PM Modi

3,75,000 Indians have returned homes since the conflict began, says PM Modi

Situation in West Asia worrisome, says PM Narendra Modi in Lok Sabha

All Indians living in the Gulf are getting help, says PM Modi

Some Indians have lost lives, says PM Modi

CBSE has postponed exams in the Gulf, the education board is working so that students don't waste their academic year, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the Lok Sabha on the West Asia crisis.

China on Monday urged all parties involved in the Middle East conflict affecting the Strait of Hormuz to end military operations to prevent a "vicious cycle" and return to negotiations. "Should hostilities continue to escalate and the situation deteriorate further, the entire region will be plunged into chaos," the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said when responding to a question about US President Donald Trump pressuring Iran to reopen the key shipping waterway. "The use of force will only lead to a vicious cycle," he said adding that the war should not have begun in the first place. (Reuters)

Precious metal prices remained low on March 23, as tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue to disrupt oil prices and support the US dollar. (Check live updates)

Iran's IRGC-linked Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters has claimed that its forces carried out missile and drone attacks on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia and the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

According to the statement, the Saudi air base - described as a key hub for US military deployment and reconnaissance operations - was targeted with ballistic missiles, with Iranian officials alleging the presence of US surveillance aircraft at the site.

Separately, Yemen's Houthi-linked Al Masirah news agency reported that the Iran-backed group targeted a "Zionist Aerospace Industries Center" near Ben Gurion air base using Arash-2 attack drones.

The claims could not be independently verified, and there has been no immediate response from US or Israeli authorities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to speak in the Lok Sabha at 2pm on Monday addressing key aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict. According to reports, the Prime Minister is expected to outline India’s position on the evolving situation, including its diplomatic engagement, concerns over regional stability, and the impact on global energy and trade routes. (Read More)

Iran will retaliate to an attack on its electricity sector by targeting Israel's power plants as well as power plants supplying U.S. bases with electricity in regional countries, a statement by the Revolutionary Guards on Monday said. The statement seemingly retracted earlier threats to desalination plants in the region, which are crucial for providing drinking water in Gulf countries. "The lying ... U.S. President has claimed that the Revolutionary Guards intends to attack the water desalination plants and cause hardship to the people of the countries in the region," the statement shared on state media said. - Reuters

SLMG Beverages, Coca‑Cola's largest bottler in India, could raise some of its prices if rising packaging costs linked to the war in the Middle East are difficult to absorb, a senior executive at the firm said. The war is pushing up costs for key packaging materials from plastic bottles to caps, labels and cardboard boxes — with some packaged water manufacturers already raising prices. "If the war continues, the packaging material cost may continue to move up," Rahul Kumar, deputy CEO at SLMG said in an interview earlier this month, adding price increases would depend on factors including how competitors respond and how consumers react to higher prices. - Reuters

A strike on a broadcast station in southern Iran killed at least one person, state television reported on Monday. "The 100-kilowatt AM transmitter of the Persian Gulf Radio and Television Centre was attacked by the American-Zionist terrorist army," the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting reported. "In this attack, which was against international laws, one of the centre's security colleagues was martyred and another person was injured." - AFP

Rupee hits record low of 93.83 against dollar; gold crashes over 3%

Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Defense said it detected two incoming ballistic missiles on Monday, as the kingdom and its Gulf neighbours face continued Iranian strikes.

"Two ballistic missiles were launched towards the Riyadh region, one of which was intercepted and the other fell in an uninhabited area," the ministry said in a post on social media.

Indian equities are poised for a sharply weaker open on Monday, tracking a broad risk-off sentiment across Asian markets as escalating US-Iran tensions keep oil prices elevated and weigh on growth and earnings outlook.

GIFT Nifty futures were trading at 22,790 around 8:17 a.m. IST, indicating a 1.4% decline for the Nifty 50 from Friday's close of 23,114.50.

The selloff reflects a sharp rise in risk aversion, with Asian markets falling about 2.7% as intensifying Middle East tensions dampen hopes of near-term de-escalation in the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, now in its fourth week.

Iran warned it could target energy and water infrastructure in Gulf countries if US President Donald Trump follows through on threats to strike its power grid within 48 hours, unless Tehran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of wider regional disruption.

Brent crude hovering near $112 a barrel poses a major challenge for India, one of the world's largest oil importers. Sustained high oil prices risk fuelling inflation, widening external deficits, weakening the rupee and prolonging foreign capital outflows. (Check live updates)

Gold prices slipped more than 2% on Monday, extending their drop to a roughly four-month low, as an escalating Middle East conflict stoked inflation concerns and expectations of higher global interest rates. Spot gold was down 2.5% at $4,372.86 per ounce, as of 0238 GMT, extending losses for a ninth consecutive session. The metal, which fell on Monday to its lowest level since January 2, lost more than 10% last week. U.S. gold futures for April delivery fell 4.4% to $4,375.60. - Reuters

The Indian rupee and government bonds are expected to remain under strain amid elevated oil prices and energy supply concerns as the Middle East war moves into its fourth week. The rupee, which slipped past 93 per dollar in its worst weekly performance in over three years, is likely to extend losses, although traders remain cautious about possible central bank intervention. The currency has weakened by around 3% since the Iran war began. More than 2,000 people have been killed in the conflict launched by the United States and Israel on February 28, which has disrupted global markets and driven up energy costs. Focus is expected to stay on oil prices this week, with crude rising to about $112 per barrel on Friday, marking a surge of over 50% this month.

The global economy is under "major threat" from the energy crisis caused by the Middle East war and "no country will be immune" to its effects, International Energy Agency chief Fatih Birol said Monday. Speaking at the National Press Club in Australia's capital, Birol compared the current energy crisis to those of the 1970s and the impact of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. "This crisis as things stand is now two oil crises and one gas crash put all together," Birol said. "The global economy is facing a major, major threat today, and I very much hope that this issue will be resolved as soon as possible. - AFP

Israel's military said it launched a "wide-scale wave" of strikes on the Iranian capital early Monday morning. "The IDF has begun a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting Iranian terror regime infrastructure in Tehran," the Israeli military posted on Telegram using its official acronym. - AFP

An Indian national has been wounded by falling debris in Abu Dhabi, according to authorities, as Gulf countries reported intercepting drones and missiles early Monday morning.

Around 4,500 US sailors and Marines are being deployed to the Middle East, according to a Washington Post report, as part of preparations for a potential battle over control of the Strait of Hormuz and critical energy installations.

The death toll across Iran and Lebanon has climbed into the thousands since the conflict began, while anti-war protests have taken place in several cities worldwide, reflecting growing global concern.

Oil markets remained unstable, with Brent crude around $111 per barrel and US crude near $98, as traders track risks to supply through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian missile strikes over the past 24 hours have killed one person and injured more than 160 others in Israel, according to emergency services, highlighting the ongoing human toll.

The Israel Defense Forces said it expects several more weeks of fighting against Iran and Hezbollah, while preparing to expand operations in Lebanon amid rising cross-border tensions.

Earlier, Trump warned that the US could "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the key waterway is not reopened within 48 hours, intensifying pressure on Tehran.

Iran said the strait remains open to all except those violating its territory, but warned it is ready to completely shut access if its energy infrastructure is targeted, escalating the stakes in the standoff.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump agreed during a late-night call that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is essential to resume global shipping, amid mounting disruption concerns.

As the Iran war enters its fourth week, global markets opened sharply lower on Monday amid escalating tensions and fears of a wider regional conflict. Japan's Nikkei 225 dropped 4.8% in early trade, while South Korea's Kospi fell over 5.5%, reflecting rising investor anxiety.