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The UAE has condemned riots and vandalism at its embassy in Damascus after dozens of protesters gathered outside, with some chanting 'the Zionist embassy.' The incident occurred after a pro-Palestinian demonstration nearby, and Syria's foreign ministry has stated it takes a firm stance against attacks on embassies. Condemnations have come from the US envoy, Pakistan, and several Gulf states.
Five EU finance ministers, including Germany's, have written to the EU Climate Commissioner calling for a windfall tax on energy companies' profits, citing rising fuel prices linked to the Iran war. The ministers argue such a measure would ease the burden on the public and curb inflation, reviving a mechanism used during the 2022 energy crisis.
US and Iranian forces are competing to recover a missing American crew member after an F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iran. US special forces reportedly rescued one of two crew members, while Iran claims it downed the aircraft and is offering a reward for the capture of the remaining airman. The incident adds to tensions in a war that began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran more than a month ago.
A US A-10 Thunderbolt II crashed near the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran claiming its air defenses shot it down. US officials say the pilot was rescued safely, while another F-15E was downed over Iran with one crew member rescued and another missing.
Bahrain has postponed a UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been shut since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February. The resolution, backed by the US and Gulf states, faces strong opposition from Russia and China despite being significantly watered down. Iran has warned the Council against any 'provocative action.'
More than 100 US-based international law experts have signed an open letter warning that American and Israeli strikes on Iran may constitute war crimes and violate the UN Charter. The letter cites threats to civilian infrastructure, a deadly school strike, and officials' rhetoric as serious concerns, while the White House dismisses the experts' claims.
The Iran war has driven fuel prices in the Philippines to record highs, crippling public transport and prompting a national energy emergency. With the country heavily reliant on imported oil, economists warn of stagflation and long-term energy challenges.
In a televised address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a reduction in petrol levy by Rs80 per litre, bringing the price down to Rs378, and extended cabinet austerity measures to six months without salaries, citing the Middle East conflict as the cause of soaring oil prices affecting Pakistan.
A French-owned container ship and a Japanese-owned tanker have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first such transits by Western vessels since the US-Israeli conflict with Iran effectively closed the waterway. The crossings, confirmed by shipping tracking data, come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reopen the strategic route for global oil and LNG supplies.
India attended a UK-chaired virtual meeting on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, calling for de-escalation and freedom of navigation. Meanwhile, New Delhi capped monthly domestic aviation fuel price hikes at 25% as record-high jet fuel prices strain airlines and consumers.
As global trade routes and energy flows face strain, Pakistan's strategic position has improved, but analysts argue the country must convert diplomatic capital into tangible economic agreements. Drawing on examples from Egypt and Türkiye, experts call for building buffers against future shocks, including foreign exchange resilience, strategic oil reserves, and support for exporters.
As the US-Israeli offensive against Iran enters its second month, luxury retailers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi report significant sales drops, with tourist traffic falling sharply. Industry analysts warn the region's luxury market could halve in March, dealing a blow to a sector already facing global headwinds.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has asked Army Chief of Staff General Randy George to retire immediately, without giving a public reason. The move is part of a broader shake-up of senior military leadership under Hegseth, coming amid ongoing US operations against Iran.
Iran has promised 'more crushing, broader and more destructive' attacks against the US and Israel following President Trump's threat to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Age.' The war, now in its fifth week, has seen continued airstrikes on both sides, with rising casualties in Lebanon and regional instability as the UAE bars Iranians and Kuwait reports drone attacks.
As the US-Israel conflict with Iran enters its 34th day, President Trump's speech has deepened hostilities, prompting Iranian retaliation and raising fears of a prolonged war. Military deployments and international reactions suggest an escalating crisis with global implications.
The Gulf Cooperation Council's Secretary-General called on the UN Security Council to take measures to halt Iranian attacks and ensure safe navigation through strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz. A draft resolution backed by Bahrain faces objections from Russia, China, and France.
Ministers from more than 40 countries met virtually on Thursday to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran since US-Israeli strikes began in late February. The UK-led talks, which the US did not attend, focused on diplomatic and planning measures, with 20,000 seafarers and 2,000 ships reportedly stranded.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a primetime address that the military campaign against Iran is nearing completion, but vowed to strike “extremely hard” for two to three more weeks. Iran responded with missile attacks on Israel, and the conflict continues to roil global markets and draw international concern.
Global markets experienced sharp swings after President Trump vowed to continue attacking Iran, with oil prices jumping over 5% and major stock indexes falling. Earlier in the week, markets had rallied on hopes of a speedy end to the conflict after Trump suggested the war would end in 'two to three weeks'.
South Korea has secured 50 million barrels of alternative crude for April and 60 million for May, replacing supplies blocked by the Strait of Hormuz closure. The government has raised its crisis alert, introduced an oil swap system, and is compensating importers for additional shipping costs. Middle Eastern nations, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are reportedly interested in using South Korea's storage facilities.