Location · 639 published stories · 157 outlets · All places
As shipping lines divert away from the Strait of Hormuz, Karachi's ports report a sharp rise in transhipment activity, with 8,860 containers handled in 24 days. The government approves a series of transshipment initiatives to position Pakistan as a regional hub, including handling bulk cargo and vehicles.
Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization reports that Israel and the US have struck the Bushehr nuclear power plant area for a third time since late February, with a security guard killed in the latest incident. The IAEA warns that attacks on nuclear sites are unacceptable and could trigger a severe radiological accident, while the EU condemns strikes on civilian infrastructure as illegal. The plant continues operating, but experts warn of catastrophic consequences for the Gulf region.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering deploying ground forces to seize Iran's Kharg Island, which handles 90% of the country's oil exports. Analysts warn that such an operation could expose US troops to missile and drone attacks and potentially prolong the conflict.
Ukraine and Saudi Arabia have signed an air defence cooperation agreement during President Zelensky's visit to the kingdom, according to senior officials. The deal aims to help Saudi Arabia develop air defence components, while reports also mention a separate naval drone supply agreement with an unspecified Gulf nation.
Iran's foreign minister has clarified he never rejected Pakistan as a venue for talks with the United States, even as Pakistan confirms a 15-point US proposal is under Tehran's consideration. With gaps still wide, a fragile diplomatic track emerges with Islamabad, Ankara, and Cairo supporting the effort.
The US-Israel war on Iran has disrupted about one-third of global helium supplies, threatening medical imaging and semiconductor manufacturing. Qatar, a key producer, has cut exports by 14%, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely restricted. Analysts warn of ripple effects across the global economy.
The United States has warned Iran to accept defeat or face heavier strikes, while Tehran rejects talks and pledges to continue fighting. Al Jazeera reports ongoing US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian missiles targeting central and northern Israel on day 33 of the conflict. A former US State Department official suggests the attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities may signal the conflict's endgame.
Oil prices have surged significantly since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, with estimates ranging from 40 to 70 percent depending on the timeframe and commodity measured. Governments across Europe are implementing emergency tax cuts and subsidies while EU officials urge citizens to conserve energy amid concerns of industrial disruption and rising import costs.
As the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran enters its 26th day, strikes persist while diplomatic efforts intensify. Reports indicate a deadly raid in Tehran, a proposed 15-point US plan, and regional responses including Saudi interceptions. Meanwhile, an analysis highlights the role of AI in US targeting decisions and its predictive failures.
The US-Israeli war with Iran has disrupted global energy markets, with developing countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East facing soaring fuel costs. Nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Egypt have implemented conservation measures, while Israel remains insulated due to its offshore gas fields. The conflict has also caused significant drops in Strait of Hormuz traffic and rising oil prices, with experts warning of disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations.
France has announced targeted measures to alleviate fuel price rises caused by the Middle East war, including easing payroll levies and extending tax deadlines. The government is also considering using surplus tax revenue to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, though analysts warn the economic impact may be more complex than expected.
As the US-Israel conflict with Iran intensifies, Pakistan has emerged as a potential mediator, leveraging its unique ties to both Washington and Tehran. While offering economic and strategic opportunities, experts warn of significant risks and limited progress so far.
President Trump extended his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, claiming talks with a 'respected' Iranian leader are progressing, but Iran denies any negotiations. Markets rallied on the apparent de-escalation, while regional strikes and counter-threats continue, with global energy fears mounting.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE reported coming under fresh attacks on Monday, with ballistic missiles intercepted and drones shot down by coalition forces. Fires broke out at petrochemical plants in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Kuwait, and an Indian national was wounded by falling debris. Iran state media framed the strikes as retaliation for attacks on its petrochemical facilities.
Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's special envoy for investment and economic cooperation, has called on Europe to replace its leadership and abandon its 'Russophobic' approach, warning of a devastating energy crisis. His comments come amid EU sanctions on Russian gas, with several member states identified as particularly vulnerable.
Several countries, including India, China, and Pakistan, are reportedly negotiating with Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report cited by TASS. Meanwhile, Iranian state media says a parliamentary commission has approved plans to impose tolls on vessels using the waterway, which has seen crossings drop by 95% due to the recent conflict.
India has received a second liquefied petroleum gas shipment via the Strait of Hormuz as naval escorts secure energy supplies through the Iran conflict zone. The arrival comes as New Delhi faces cooking gas shortages and deploys diplomatic resources to negotiate safe passage for commercial shipping.
A Pakistani national has become the third citizen from that country to die in the UAE from falling debris since hostilities began between Iran, the US, and Israel on February 28. The death brings the total civilian toll in the Gulf to at least fourteen, with eight being foreign nationals from South Asia who remain economically trapped in the conflict zone while wealthy residents evacuate.
European leaders have declined President Donald Trump's request to deploy military forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz following its closure by Iran, citing operational risks and lack of consultation. While Washington emphasizes the necessity of protecting the vital waterway that carries 20% of global oil supplies, Berlin and Paris maintain they are not party to the conflict, with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius under Chancellor Olaf Scholz stating, "This is not our war." The crisis has triggered a severe humanitarian situation in Lebanon, where over 1 million people have been displaced by Israeli strikes, alongside economic shocks including significant energy price spikes.
The Strait of Hormuz faces effective closure by maritime insurers and shipping operators amid unverified reports of Iranian threats to attack tankers. While President Trump has reportedly sought international assistance to secure the waterway, reviewed materials contain no official response from US, Israeli, or Iranian authorities regarding disputed claims about which party initiated hostilities, leaving critical causal context absent from current coverage.