Iran-Israel war highlights: Trump again warns Iran to open Strait of Hormuz

#### Key Updates

• Eight Indians lost their lives in ‘various incidents’, says MEA

• Trump issues fresh threat to Iran civilian infrastructure if ceasefire not reached ‘shortly’

• Iranian lawmakers review possibility of leaving NPT: Foreign Ministry spokesperson

• Iran military says Israel behind attack on Kuwait desalination plant

• Iran confirms killing of Guards Navy commander Alireza Tangsiri

• Trump suggests U.S. could take Iran's Kharg Island

#### One month of Israel-U.S. war on Iran: A timeline

Explosions shook Tehran on February 28, 2026, as Israel and U.S. launched a joint attack on Iran, targetting its leadership. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the strikes were intended to “remove threats to the State of Israel”, while U.S. President Donald Trump vowed that the strikes would cripple Iran’s military and urged Iranians to rise up against the Islamic republic.

In retaliation, Iran struck U.S. bases and infrastructure across the Gulf, causing airspace closures and civilian casualities. Iran also blocked the Strait of Hormuz — through which roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes — leading to skyrocketing oil prices and resource shortages across the globe.

Read the Iran war timeline here

One month of Israel-U.S. war on Iran: A timeline

Explore a detailed timeline of the Israel-U.S. war on Iran and its global implications from February 28 to March 28, 2026.

• March 31, 2026 04:29 Trump says U.S. negotiating with Iran's parliamentary speaker U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday (March 30) threatened widespread destruction of Iran’s energy resources and other vital infrastructure, including desalination plants, if a deal to end the war with Tehran is not reached “shortly.” Trump said the US is negotiating with Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, in an interview with the New York Post published Monday.- AP

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday (March 30) threatened widespread destruction of Iran’s energy resources and other vital infrastructure, including desalination plants, if a deal to end the war with Tehran is not reached “shortly.” Trump said the US is negotiating with Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, in an interview with the New York Post published Monday.

• March 31, 2026 04:27 Gulf allies privately make the case to Trump to keep fighting until Iran is decisively defeated Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are urging President Donald Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran, arguing that Tehran hasn’t been weakened enough by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to U.S., Gulf, and Israeli officials.After private grumbling at the start of the war that they were not given adequate advance notice of the U.S.-Israeli attack and complaining the U.S. had ignored their warnings that the war would have devastating consequences for the entire region, some of the regional allies are making the case to the White House that the moment offers a historic opportunity to cripple Tehran’s clerical rule once and for all.- AP

Gulf allies of the United States, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are urging President Donald Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran, arguing that Tehran hasn’t been weakened enough by the monthlong U.S.-led bombing campaign, according to U.S., Gulf, and Israeli officials.

After private grumbling at the start of the war that they were not given adequate advance notice of the U.S.-Israeli attack and complaining the U.S. had ignored their warnings that the war would have devastating consequences for the entire region, some of the regional allies are making the case to the White House that the moment offers a historic opportunity to cripple Tehran’s clerical rule once and for all.

• March 31, 2026 04:26 Netanyahu says Iran's Islamic republic will 'collapse internally' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced confidence Monday (March 30) that Iran’s Islamic Republic would eventually fall, though he again said that was not the objective of the U.S.-Israeli war on the country.“I think this regime will collapse internally. But at the moment, right now, what we’re doing is just degrading their military capacity, degrading their missile capacity, degrading their nuclear capacity, and also weakening them from the inside,” Netanyahu told conservative U.S. broadcaster Newsmax.-AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced confidence Monday (March 30) that Iran’s Islamic Republic would eventually fall, though he again said that was not the objective of the U.S.-Israeli war on the country.

“I think this regime will collapse internally. But at the moment, right now, what we’re doing is just degrading their military capacity, degrading their missile capacity, degrading their nuclear capacity, and also weakening them from the inside,” Netanyahu told conservative U.S. broadcaster Newsmax.

• March 31, 2026 04:22 Netanyahu says Iran war goals achieved 'beyond halfway point' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday (March 30) that the war on Iran had achieved more than half its aims, without putting a timeline on when it would end.“It’s definitely beyond the halfway point. But I don’t want to put a schedule on it,” Netanyahu told the conservative U.S. broadcaster Newsmax.- AFP

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday (March 30) that the war on Iran had achieved more than half its aims, without putting a timeline on when it would end.

“It’s definitely beyond the halfway point. But I don’t want to put a schedule on it,” Netanyahu told the conservative U.S. broadcaster Newsmax.

• March 31, 2026 04:17 Iran parliament body approves Hormuz tollsIranian state media reported Monday (March 31) that a Parliamentary commission had approved plans to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway vital to oil and gas shipments that has been effectively closed due to the West Asia war.Citing a member of the parliament’s security commission, state TV said the plan involved, among other things “financial arrangements and rial toll systems” and “implementing the sovereign role of Iran”, as well as cooperation with Oman on the other side of the Strait.-AFP

Iranian state media reported Monday (March 31) that a Parliamentary commission had approved plans to impose tolls on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway vital to oil and gas shipments that has been effectively closed due to the West Asia war.

Citing a member of the parliament’s security commission, state TV said the plan involved, among other things “financial arrangements and rial toll systems” and “implementing the sovereign role of Iran”, as well as cooperation with Oman on the other side of the Strait.

• March 31, 2026 04:13 U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s broker looked to buy defence fund before Iran attack: FTU.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s broker looked to buy a defence fund before the Iran attack, says FT report.- Reuters

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s broker looked to buy a defence fund before the Iran attack, says FT report.

• •Reuters

• March 30, 2026 23:22 Trump interested in calling on Arab states to help pay for Iran war: White HouseU.S. President ‌Donald Trump would be ⁠interested in calling on ‌Arab countries ‌to ‌pay for ⁠the cost ⁠of the Iran war, White ‌House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told ‌reporters on Monday (March 30, 2026), adding that ⁠she thinks Trump would ‌have more to say on the ‌issue.- Reuters

U.S. President ‌Donald Trump would be ⁠interested in calling on ‌Arab countries ‌to ‌pay for ⁠the cost ⁠of the Iran war, White ‌House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told ‌reporters on Monday (March 30, 2026), adding that ⁠she thinks Trump would ‌have more to say on the ‌issue.

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 23:22 White House says Iran talks progressing despite public posturingThe White House said ‌on Monday (March 30, 2026) that talks with ⁠Iran were continuing and progressing well, ‌adding that what Tehran ‌says ‌publicly ⁠differs from ⁠what it tells U.S. officials in private.“Despite all ‌of the public posturing you hear from ‌the regime and false reporting, talks are ⁠continuing and going well. What is ‌said publicly is, of course, much different than what’s being ‌communicated to us privately,” said White House ⁠Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.- Reuters

The White House said ‌on Monday (March 30, 2026) that talks with ⁠Iran were continuing and progressing well, ‌adding that what Tehran ‌says ‌publicly ⁠differs from ⁠what it tells U.S. officials in private.

“Despite all ‌of the public posturing you hear from ‌the regime and false reporting, talks are ⁠continuing and going well. What is ‌said publicly is, of course, much different than what’s being ‌communicated to us privately,” said White House ⁠Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 23:21 Israel military issues evacuation warning to 6 villages in Lebanon’s western BekaaThe Israeli military ‌on Monday (March 30, 2026) issued evacuation warnings ⁠to residents of six villages ‌in Lebanon’s western ‌Bekaa region, ‌urging ⁠civilians ⁠to leave ahead of possible military operations, ‌in the first such warning for those ‌areas.The military said the warning ⁠was prompted by what ‌it described as militant activity in the area, ‌without providing further details.- Reuters

The Israeli military ‌on Monday (March 30, 2026) issued evacuation warnings ⁠to residents of six villages ‌in Lebanon’s western ‌Bekaa region, ‌urging ⁠civilians ⁠to leave ahead of possible military operations, ‌in the first such warning for those ‌areas.

The military said the warning ⁠was prompted by what ‌it described as militant activity in the area, ‌without providing further details.

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 23:20 Two peacekeepers killed in Lebanon were Indonesian, says UNUnited ‌Nations peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre ⁠Lacroix ‌on Monday (March 30, 2026) ‌told ‌reporters ⁠that ⁠two peacekeepers who ‌were killed in an ‌explosion in southern ⁠Lebanon were ‌Indonesian.- Reuters

United ‌Nations peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre ⁠Lacroix ‌on Monday (March 30, 2026) ‌told ‌reporters ⁠that ⁠two peacekeepers who ‌were killed in an ‌explosion in southern ⁠Lebanon were ‌Indonesian.

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 22:07 Get used to new regional order: Head of Iran Guards' foreign wingThe commander of the foreign operations branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a rare message on Monday (March 30, 2026) hailing Iranian proxy groups for helping create a “new regional order”.Esmail Qaani became head of the Guards’ Quds Force after the killing of Qassem Soleimani in a US strike in Iraq in 2020.His message, just the second attributed to him since the U.S.-Israeli war against the Islamic republic began on February 28, was posted on X under the handle @general_Qaani, although the social media giant then rapidly suspended the account with a note that “X suspends accounts which violate the X Rules.”Mr. Qaani said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to create a “security belt across the region” but the actions of Tehran-backed militant groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, had “exposed the regime’s false promises”.“Get used to the new regional order,” he said.- AFP

The commander of the foreign operations branch of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a rare message on Monday (March 30, 2026) hailing Iranian proxy groups for helping create a “new regional order”.

Esmail Qaani became head of the Guards’ Quds Force after the killing of Qassem Soleimani in a US strike in Iraq in 2020.

His message, just the second attributed to him since the U.S.-Israeli war against the Islamic republic began on February 28, was posted on X under the handle @general_Qaani, although the social media giant then rapidly suspended the account with a note that “X suspends accounts which violate the X Rules.”

Mr. Qaani said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to create a “security belt across the region” but the actions of Tehran-backed militant groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, had “exposed the regime’s false promises”.

“Get used to the new regional order,” he said.

• March 30, 2026 22:04 PM Modi speaks to Netherlands PM; discusses West Asia situation Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (March 30, 2026) spoke with his Netherlands counterpart, Rob Jetten, and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia, underscoring the need for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region.During the telephonic conversation, the two leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Netherlands ties.“Pleased to speak with Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, today. We discussed ways to further strengthen India-Netherlands ties,” PM Modi said on X.“Also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” he said.- PTI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (March 30, 2026) spoke with his Netherlands counterpart, Rob Jetten, and exchanged views on the situation in West Asia, underscoring the need for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region.

During the telephonic conversation, the two leaders also discussed ways to further strengthen the India-Netherlands ties.

“Pleased to speak with Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, today. We discussed ways to further strengthen India-Netherlands ties,” PM Modi said on X.

“Also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia and emphasised the need for early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” he said.

• March 30, 2026 21:34 Dubai announces 1 billion dirham economic support package amid Iran war Dubai has approved economic facilitation ‌measures worth 1 billion ⁠dirhams ($272.26 million) to support the business sector, ‌with implementation set to ‌begin ‌on April ⁠1 for ⁠a period of three to six ‌months, Dubai crown prince posted on X on ‌Monday (March 30, 2026).The support measures aim to enhance ⁠the flexibility of the emirate’s ‌economy, strengthen preparedness and enable businesses and families to ‌navigate current economic conditions. ($1 = 3.6730 UAE dirham).- Reuters

Dubai has approved economic facilitation ‌measures worth 1 billion ⁠dirhams ($272.26 million) to support the business sector, ‌with implementation set to ‌begin ‌on April ⁠1 for ⁠a period of three to six ‌months, Dubai crown prince posted on X on ‌Monday (March 30, 2026).

The support measures aim to enhance ⁠the flexibility of the emirate’s ‌economy, strengthen preparedness and enable businesses and families to ‌navigate current economic conditions. ($1 = 3.6730 UAE dirham).

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 21:32 Chinese container ships pass through Strait of Hormuz at second attempt, data showsTwo Chinese container ships sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (March 30, 2026) on their second attempt to leave the Gulf after turning back on ⁠Friday (March 27, 2026), ship-tracking data showed.The vessels sailed in close formation out of the strait and into open ‌waters, data on the MarineTraffic platform showed.“Both vessels successfully crossed on a second attempt today, marking the first container vessels to leave the Persian Gulf ‌since the start of the conflict, excluding Iranian-flag vessels,” said Rebecca Gerdes, ‌data ⁠analyst with Kpler, which owns MarineTraffic.“Both vessels are steaming at an elevated ⁠speed toward the Gulf of Oman at the moment.”- Reuters

Two Chinese container ships sailed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday (March 30, 2026) on their second attempt to leave the Gulf after turning back on ⁠Friday (March 27, 2026), ship-tracking data showed.

The vessels sailed in close formation out of the strait and into open ‌waters, data on the MarineTraffic platform showed.

“Both vessels successfully crossed on a second attempt today, marking the first container vessels to leave the Persian Gulf ‌since the start of the conflict, excluding Iranian-flag vessels,” said Rebecca Gerdes, ‌data ⁠analyst with Kpler, which owns MarineTraffic.

“Both vessels are steaming at an elevated ⁠speed toward the Gulf of Oman at the moment.”

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 21:30 Iran war is dimming outlook for many economies, says IMFThe war in West Asia has caused serious ⁠disruption to the economies of frontline countries, and is dimming the outlook for many economies that had just started to recover ‌from previous crises, the International Monetary Fund warned on Monday (March 30, 2026).In a blog published by the ‌global lender’s top economists, the IMF said the war ‌launched ⁠by U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran on ⁠February 28 was causing a global, but asymmetric shock and leading to tighter financial conditions.The IMF said low-income countries were at particular risk of ⁠food insecurity, given higher food and fertilizer prices, and may need more external support at a time when many ‌advanced economies were scaling back their international assistance.The IMF said it will release a fuller assessment in its World Economic Outlook, to be ‌published on April 14, during the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington.- Reuters

The war in West Asia has caused serious ⁠disruption to the economies of frontline countries, and is dimming the outlook for many economies that had just started to recover ‌from previous crises, the International Monetary Fund warned on Monday (March 30, 2026).

In a blog published by the ‌global lender’s top economists, the IMF said the war ‌launched ⁠by U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran on ⁠February 28 was causing a global, but asymmetric shock and leading to tighter financial conditions.

The IMF said low-income countries were at particular risk of ⁠food insecurity, given higher food and fertilizer prices, and may need more external support at a time when many ‌advanced economies were scaling back their international assistance.

The IMF said it will release a fuller assessment in its World Economic Outlook, to be ‌published on April 14, during the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington.

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 20:40 Turkiye says fourth missile fired from Iran has been intercepted Turkiye’s Defence Ministry said Monday (March 30, 2026) that NATO forces had intercepted a new missile fired from Iran — the fourth since the start of the war in West Asia.“A ballistic munition, which has been determined to have been fired from Iran and to have entered Turkish airspace, was neutralised by NATO air and missile defence forces deployed in the eastern Mediterranean,” said a Ministry statement.- Reuters

Turkiye’s Defence Ministry said Monday (March 30, 2026) that NATO forces had intercepted a new missile fired from Iran — the fourth since the start of the war in West Asia.

“A ballistic munition, which has been determined to have been fired from Iran and to have entered Turkish airspace, was neutralised by NATO air and missile defence forces deployed in the eastern Mediterranean,” said a Ministry statement.

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 19:54 Rubio says U.S. hopeful after private talks with Iranian officials U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday (March 30, 2026) voiced hope for working with elements within Iran’s Government, saying the United States privately had received positive messages.Mr. Rubio said there were internal “fractures” inside the Islamic republic and that the United States hoped that figures with “power to deliver” would take charge.“We are hopeful that that’s the case,” Mr. Rubio told the ABC News program “Good Morning America.”“There are clearly people there talking to us in ways that previous people in charge in Iran have not spoken to us in the past, some of the things they’re willing to do,” he said.- AFP

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday (March 30, 2026) voiced hope for working with elements within Iran’s Government, saying the United States privately had received positive messages.

Mr. Rubio said there were internal “fractures” inside the Islamic republic and that the United States hoped that figures with “power to deliver” would take charge.

“We are hopeful that that’s the case,” Mr. Rubio told the ABC News program “Good Morning America.”

“There are clearly people there talking to us in ways that previous people in charge in Iran have not spoken to us in the past, some of the things they’re willing to do,” he said.

• March 30, 2026 19:03 Eight Indians lost their lives in ‘various incidents’, says MEAAmid the escalating West Asia conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday (March 30, 2026) said eight Indian nationals have lost their lives while one remains missing in “various incidents” in the region.At an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi on the West Asia situation, Additional Secretary (Gulf), MEA, Aseem R. Mahajan, also said, “Yesterday, an Indian national unfortunately lost his life in an attack in Kuwait.” However, he did not elaborate upon the circumstances of this death.On Monday (March 30, 2026), he shared an update, saying, “eight Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives and one Indian national remains missing in various incidents”.Read the full story belowWest Asia conflict: Eight Indians lost their lives in ‘various incidents’, says MEAEight Indians have died amid the West Asia conflict, with the Ministry of External Affairs monitoring the situation closely.

Amid the escalating West Asia conflict, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday (March 30, 2026) said eight Indian nationals have lost their lives while one remains missing in “various incidents” in the region.

At an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi on the West Asia situation, Additional Secretary (Gulf), MEA, Aseem R. Mahajan, also said, “Yesterday, an Indian national unfortunately lost his life in an attack in Kuwait.” However, he did not elaborate upon the circumstances of this death.

On Monday (March 30, 2026), he shared an update, saying, “eight Indian nationals have unfortunately lost their lives and one Indian national remains missing in various incidents”.

Read the full story below

West Asia conflict: Eight Indians lost their lives in ‘various incidents’, says MEA

Eight Indians have died amid the West Asia conflict, with the Ministry of External Affairs monitoring the situation closely.

• March 30, 2026 18:58 Sri Lanka raises electricity costs by up to 40%Sri Lanka announced on Monday (March 30, 2026) a nearly 40% increase in electricity prices from Wednesday (April 1, 2026) as it battles an energy shortage caused by the war in West Asia.The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said further increases were likely in April, in-line with global energy prices.“The increases we announce today were calculated on the basis of prices that prevailed before the Middle East conflict,” PUCSL Chairman K. P. L. Chandralal told reporters in Colombo.For most middle-class consumers, a kilowatt hour of electricity will cost 84 rupees ($0.28), up from 61 rupees or a 39.34% increase, while the lowest consumers — those who use less than 30 kilowatt hours a month — will see their bills rise by 11.11%.- AFP

Sri Lanka announced on Monday (March 30, 2026) a nearly 40% increase in electricity prices from Wednesday (April 1, 2026) as it battles an energy shortage caused by the war in West Asia.

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka said further increases were likely in April, in-line with global energy prices.

“The increases we announce today were calculated on the basis of prices that prevailed before the Middle East conflict,” PUCSL Chairman K. P. L. Chandralal told reporters in Colombo.

For most middle-class consumers, a kilowatt hour of electricity will cost 84 rupees ($0.28), up from 61 rupees or a 39.34% increase, while the lowest consumers — those who use less than 30 kilowatt hours a month — will see their bills rise by 11.11%.

• March 30, 2026 18:55 Germany to decide on further relief measures after Easter, says Minister The German ‌Government will decide after ⁠the Easter holiday what ‌further relief ‌measures should ‌be ⁠taken to ⁠help consumers weather higher prices ‌due to the war in Iran, ‌said Economy Minister Katherina Reiche ⁠on Monday (March 30, 2026).She added that ‌signs of a significant slowdown in ‌the German economy were already visible.- Reuters

The German ‌Government will decide after ⁠the Easter holiday what ‌further relief ‌measures should ‌be ⁠taken to ⁠help consumers weather higher prices ‌due to the war in Iran, ‌said Economy Minister Katherina Reiche ⁠on Monday (March 30, 2026).

She added that ‌signs of a significant slowdown in ‌the German economy were already visible.

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 18:53 Iran says its expelled ambassador won’t leave Lebanon as political tensions soarIran on Monday (March 30, 2026) defied Lebanon’s expulsion order for its ambassador by saying he would stay, further increasing tensions in a country in the crosshairs of the latest fighting between the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and Israel.Lebanon had declared Ambassador Mohammad Reza Shibani “persona non grata” in an effort to weaken Iran’s diplomatic presence and have a charge d’affairs at its embassy instead. But the deadline to leave the country was on Sunday (March 29, 2026).“Our embassy in Lebanon is active,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told journalists. “Our ambassador, following remarks made by relevant Lebanese bodies and the conclusions reached, will continue his mission in Beirut and he is still there.” Lebanese officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It was not clear what Lebanon might do next or how diplomatic relations might be affected. The Iranian ambassador is reportedly in the embassy, where he is believed to have diplomatic immunity.- AP

Iran on Monday (March 30, 2026) defied Lebanon’s expulsion order for its ambassador by saying he would stay, further increasing tensions in a country in the crosshairs of the latest fighting between the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and Israel.

Lebanon had declared Ambassador Mohammad Reza Shibani “persona non grata” in an effort to weaken Iran’s diplomatic presence and have a charge d’affairs at its embassy instead. But the deadline to leave the country was on Sunday (March 29, 2026).

“Our embassy in Lebanon is active,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told journalists. “Our ambassador, following remarks made by relevant Lebanese bodies and the conclusions reached, will continue his mission in Beirut and he is still there.” Lebanese officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. It was not clear what Lebanon might do next or how diplomatic relations might be affected. The Iranian ambassador is reportedly in the embassy, where he is believed to have diplomatic immunity.

• March 30, 2026 17:46 Israeli Army says struck Tehran university run by Iran Guards Israel’s military said on Monday (March 30, 2026) that it had struck a university in Tehran run by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, claiming the institution was used for advanced weapons research.“In recent days, one of the IRGC’s central military infrastructure sites was recently struck, located within the compound of Imam Hossein University — the IRGC’s primary military academic institution, which also serves as an emergency asset for the regime’s military bodies,” a military statement said.- AFP

Israel’s military said on Monday (March 30, 2026) that it had struck a university in Tehran run by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, claiming the institution was used for advanced weapons research.

“In recent days, one of the IRGC’s central military infrastructure sites was recently struck, located within the compound of Imam Hossein University — the IRGC’s primary military academic institution, which also serves as an emergency asset for the regime’s military bodies,” a military statement said.

• March 30, 2026 17:44 Israeli media reports Haifa oil refinery hit after attack Israeli media reported that an oil refinery in the northern city of Haifa had been hit on Monday (March 30, 2026), shortly after the military said it had detected new incoming missiles from Iran.Television network Channel 12 showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky from the site, while Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services shared photos of a cylinder-shaped tank on fire.The refinery in Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, is located in a large industrial zone.“Search and rescue forces, both reserve and regular forces, are on their way to a site in northern Israel where reports of impact have been received,” Israel’s military said in a statement, without specifying the precise location.- AFP

Israeli media reported that an oil refinery in the northern city of Haifa had been hit on Monday (March 30, 2026), shortly after the military said it had detected new incoming missiles from Iran.

Television network Channel 12 showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky from the site, while Israel’s Fire and Rescue Services shared photos of a cylinder-shaped tank on fire.

The refinery in Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city, is located in a large industrial zone.

“Search and rescue forces, both reserve and regular forces, are on their way to a site in northern Israel where reports of impact have been received,” Israel’s military said in a statement, without specifying the precise location.

• March 30, 2026 17:17 Trump issues fresh threat to Iran civilian infrastructure if ceasefire not reached ‘shortly’U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday (March 30, 2026) threatened to strike Iran’s oil, power and water infrastructure if Tehran did not agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz soon.“The United States of America is in serious discussions with a new and more reasonable regime to end our Military Operations in Iran,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media post.“Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately “Open for Business,” we will conclude our lovely “stay” in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!).”Read the full story belowTrump threatens to strike Iran’s civilian infrastructure if no deal is reachedTrump threatens to target Iran’s infrastructure if a deal isn't reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday (March 30, 2026) threatened to strike Iran’s oil, power and water infrastructure if Tehran did not agree to a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz soon.

“The United States of America is in serious discussions with a new and more reasonable regime to end our Military Operations in Iran,” Mr. Trump wrote in a social media post.

“Great progress has been made but, if for any reason a deal is not shortly reached, which it probably will be, and if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately “Open for Business,” we will conclude our lovely “stay” in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating all of their Electric Generating Plants, Oil Wells and Kharg Island (and possibly all desalinization plants!).”

Read the full story below

Trump threatens to strike Iran’s civilian infrastructure if no deal is reached

Trump threatens to target Iran’s infrastructure if a deal isn't reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

• March 30, 2026 16:55 Israel Army says second journalist killed in Lebanon was Hezbollah militant The Israeli military said on Monday (March 30, 2026) a second journalist it killed over the weekend in Lebanon was a Hezbollah militant, without providing any evidence.A strike on Saturday (March 28, 2026) killed three journalists in Lebanon’s Jezzine: Ali Shoeib of Hezbollah’s Al Manar channel and Fatima Ftouni of Al Mayadeen, seen as close to the Iran-backed movement, along with Ftouni’s brother, cameraman Mohammad Ftouni.The Israeli military said it had killed Shoeib soon after the strike, alleging that he “operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation under the guise of a journalist”.On Monday (March 30, 2026), the military confirmed it had killed Mohammad Ftouni in the same strike.- AFP

The Israeli military said on Monday (March 30, 2026) a second journalist it killed over the weekend in Lebanon was a Hezbollah militant, without providing any evidence.

A strike on Saturday (March 28, 2026) killed three journalists in Lebanon’s Jezzine: Ali Shoeib of Hezbollah’s Al Manar channel and Fatima Ftouni of Al Mayadeen, seen as close to the Iran-backed movement, along with Ftouni’s brother, cameraman Mohammad Ftouni.

The Israeli military said it had killed Shoeib soon after the strike, alleging that he “operated within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation under the guise of a journalist”.

On Monday (March 30, 2026), the military confirmed it had killed Mohammad Ftouni in the same strike.

• March 30, 2026 16:49 Iranian lawmakers review possibility of leaving NPT: Foreign Ministry spokesperson Iran’s Parliament is reviewing a possible exit from ‌the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Foreign Ministry spokesperson ⁠Esmail Baghaei said on Monday (March 30, 2026), while insisting Tehran has not ‌and will not seek nuclear weapons.Iranian ‌lawmakers had also ‌raised ⁠the possibility of ⁠leaving the NPT, which recognises the right to develop, research, produce and ‌use nuclear energy as long as nuclear weapons are not pursued, after ‌the 12-day war last June when Israel and the U.S. struck ⁠Iranian nuclear facilities.“What is the benefit of ‌joining a treaty in which bullying parties at the international level not only do not allow ‌us to benefit from its rights but also attack our nuclear facilities?” Mr. Baghaei ⁠said, adding that Tehran ⁠would respect the treaty as long ‌as it is a member.- Reuters

Iran’s Parliament is reviewing a possible exit from ‌the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Foreign Ministry spokesperson ⁠Esmail Baghaei said on Monday (March 30, 2026), while insisting Tehran has not ‌and will not seek nuclear weapons.

Iranian ‌lawmakers had also ‌raised ⁠the possibility of ⁠leaving the NPT, which recognises the right to develop, research, produce and ‌use nuclear energy as long as nuclear weapons are not pursued, after ‌the 12-day war last June when Israel and the U.S. struck ⁠Iranian nuclear facilities.

“What is the benefit of ‌joining a treaty in which bullying parties at the international level not only do not allow ‌us to benefit from its rights but also attack our nuclear facilities?” Mr. Baghaei ⁠said, adding that Tehran ⁠would respect the treaty as long ‌as it is a member.

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 16:42 Egypt says only Trump can stop war, warns oil could top $200Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday (March 30, 2026) to stop the ‌Iran war and said fears of the oil price going above $200 were ⁠not exaggerated.“I tell President Trump: nobody can stop the war in our region in the Gulf ‌but you,” Mr. Sisi said at the Egypt Energy Show 2026 energy conference ‌in Cairo.Noting the impact of supply ‌shortages ⁠and price rises, Mr. Sisi cited analysts’ concerns ⁠that “the price of a barrel of oil could reach more than $200, and this is not an exaggeration.”- Reuters

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday (March 30, 2026) to stop the ‌Iran war and said fears of the oil price going above $200 were ⁠not exaggerated.

“I tell President Trump: nobody can stop the war in our region in the Gulf ‌but you,” Mr. Sisi said at the Egypt Energy Show 2026 energy conference ‌in Cairo.

Noting the impact of supply ‌shortages ⁠and price rises, Mr. Sisi cited analysts’ concerns ⁠that “the price of a barrel of oil could reach more than $200, and this is not an exaggeration.”

- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 16:39 Spain says it has closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in Iran war Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in the Iran war, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday (March 30, 2026).Spain had already said the U.S. could not use jointly operated military bases in the country for operations related to the conflict.“This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorised, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorised for any actions related to the war in Iran,” Ms. Robles told reporters.Read the full story belowSpain denies U.S. permission to use its airspace for ‘illegal’ war on IranSpain denies U.S. airspace for Iran war, calling it illegal and unjust, amid rising tensions and opposition to military actions.

Spain has closed its airspace to U.S. planes involved in the Iran war, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Monday (March 30, 2026).

Spain had already said the U.S. could not use jointly operated military bases in the country for operations related to the conflict.

“This was made perfectly clear to the American military and forces from the very beginning. Therefore, neither the bases are authorised, nor, of course, is the use of Spanish airspace authorised for any actions related to the war in Iran,” Ms. Robles told reporters.

Read the full story below

Spain denies U.S. permission to use its airspace for ‘illegal’ war on Iran

Spain denies U.S. airspace for Iran war, calling it illegal and unjust, amid rising tensions and opposition to military actions.

• March 30, 2026 16:37 Iran military says Israel behind attack on Kuwait desalination plant Iran’s military said on Monday (March 30, 2026) that Israel was behind an attack on a desalination plant in Kuwait.“The brutal aggression by the Israeli regime against Kuwait’s desalination plant, carried out in recent hours under the pretext of accusing the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a sign of the vileness and depravity of the Zionist occupiers,” said the military’s operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya in a statement carried by the State TV.- AFP

Iran’s military said on Monday (March 30, 2026) that Israel was behind an attack on a desalination plant in Kuwait.

“The brutal aggression by the Israeli regime against Kuwait’s desalination plant, carried out in recent hours under the pretext of accusing the Islamic Republic of Iran, is a sign of the vileness and depravity of the Zionist occupiers,” said the military’s operational command Khatam Al-Anbiya in a statement carried by the State TV.

• March 30, 2026 16:02 There is adequate stock of petrol, diesel and LPG in the country, says Sujata SharmaIn a press conference Sujata Sharma, Joint secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, on Monday (March 30, 2026), said “there is adequate stock of petrol, diesel and LPG in the country.”She said “No dry out reported by and LPG distributor”.Ms. Sharma said “1.04 crore LPG booking requests came up in the last two days, with 92 lakh deliveries.”Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said “18 vessels in Persian Gulf at present with 485 seafarers.”Speaking at the press conference, Aparna Sharma, Additional Secretary, Department of Fertiliser said “India presently has 180 LMT fertilisers in stock against 147 LMT last year.”Ms. Sharma said “Government also diversifying our sourcing, and proceeding supplies from Russia, Morocco, Australia, Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada.”Mr. Sinha said “We are yet to reach the stage where we can send our ships back into the region. Our priority is to get the ships back.”The Special Secretary for Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said “At present, there are 3 LPG, 4 crude oil and 3 LNG vessels foreign-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. All of them are bound for India.” -- The Hindu Bureau

In a press conference Sujata Sharma, Joint secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, on Monday (March 30, 2026), said “there is adequate stock of petrol, diesel and LPG in the country.”

She said “No dry out reported by and LPG distributor”.

Ms. Sharma said “1.04 crore LPG booking requests came up in the last two days, with 92 lakh deliveries.”

Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said “18 vessels in Persian Gulf at present with 485 seafarers.”

Speaking at the press conference, Aparna Sharma, Additional Secretary, Department of Fertiliser said “India presently has 180 LMT fertilisers in stock against 147 LMT last year.”

Ms. Sharma said “Government also diversifying our sourcing, and proceeding supplies from Russia, Morocco, Australia, Algeria, Egypt, Indonesia, Malaysia, Canada.”

Mr. Sinha said “We are yet to reach the stage where we can send our ships back into the region. Our priority is to get the ships back.”

The Special Secretary for Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said “At present, there are 3 LPG, 4 crude oil and 3 LNG vessels foreign-flagged vessels operating in the Persian Gulf. All of them are bound for India.” -- The Hindu Bureau

• March 30, 2026 15:19 Israel military says soldier killed in south LebanonThe Israeli military on Monday (March 30, 2026) said a soldier was killed a day earlier in combat in southern Lebanon, bringing to six the number of troops killed since fighting with Hezbollah started earlier in March.“Sergeant Liran Ben Zion, aged 19, from Holon... fell during combat in southern Lebanon,” the military said. -- AFP

The Israeli military on Monday (March 30, 2026) said a soldier was killed a day earlier in combat in southern Lebanon, bringing to six the number of troops killed since fighting with Hezbollah started earlier in March.

“Sergeant Liran Ben Zion, aged 19, from Holon... fell during combat in southern Lebanon,” the military said. -- AFP

• March 30, 2026 15:12 Iran says Ambassador to Lebanon to remain despite expulsion orderIran on Monday (March 30, 2026) said its ambassador to Lebanon would remain in the country despite being declared a persona non grata and ordered to leave.“Our ambassador ... will continue his work as Iran’s ambassador in Beirut and remains present there,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a weekly press briefing, adding that the embassy in Beirut remains “operational”. -- AFP

Iran on Monday (March 30, 2026) said its ambassador to Lebanon would remain in the country despite being declared a persona non grata and ordered to leave.

“Our ambassador ... will continue his work as Iran’s ambassador in Beirut and remains present there,” said foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei in a weekly press briefing, adding that the embassy in Beirut remains “operational”. -- AFP

• March 30, 2026 14:44 West Asia crisis: Government in talks with tech industry associations; no adverse impact reported yetThe government is in dialogue with hi-tech industry associations on the West Asia conflict and its impact on the ecosystem, and industry bodies have not reported any adverse impact on their operations, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday (March 30, 2026).The Electronics and IT Minister’s comments came amid reports that the helium crunch has started impacting global tech supply chains.“We have asked every industry association here, and each one has said that so far there is no impact... This includes semiconductors, mobile, electronics components, and hardware space...It is an evolving situation. So, we will continue interacting with the industry,” Mr. Vaishnaw told reporters.The industry believes that the West Asia crisis will not be prolonged, he said. -- PTI

The government is in dialogue with hi-tech industry associations on the West Asia conflict and its impact on the ecosystem, and industry bodies have not reported any adverse impact on their operations, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Monday (March 30, 2026).

The Electronics and IT Minister’s comments came amid reports that the helium crunch has started impacting global tech supply chains.

“We have asked every industry association here, and each one has said that so far there is no impact... This includes semiconductors, mobile, electronics components, and hardware space...It is an evolving situation. So, we will continue interacting with the industry,” Mr. Vaishnaw told reporters.

The industry believes that the West Asia crisis will not be prolonged, he said. -- PTI

• March 30, 2026 14:42 Not right to play politics over war: Priyanka Gandhi slams PM ModiCongress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday (March 30, 2026) hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he accused the Opposition party of making “dangerous” remarks that could put Indians living in the Gulf at risk, and said it is not right to play politics over war.She also asked what plan does the government have to bring Indians stranded in the Gulf out of harm’s way.Her remarks came a day after Mr. Modi accused the Congress of making “dangerous” remarks that could put Indians living in the Gulf at risk to gain political advantage.Asked about the PM’s remarks, Priyanka Gandhi told reporters in the Parliament House complex, “Lives are in danger because bombs are raining from above. What is he doing about that? What is the plan for bringing people out of harm’s way? It is not right to do politics on these things, on war.” “We are one on this and the whole country is united, but we want a solution to the problems that are arising out of the conflict. That is why we are asking for a discussion in Parliament so that a debate takes place and we can also put forward our suggestions and a solution is found,” the Congress general secretary said.“As this war is continuing, the crises are deepening. Today the gas cylinder has become so expensive that no one is able to buy it. What will happen in future? There will be a shortage of petrol and diesel. So what is the government’s plan to deal with that?” she asked.The government has said in brief but there should be a discussion so that “we can find solutions unitedly”, Ms. Priyanka Gandhi said. -- PTI

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday (March 30, 2026) hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he accused the Opposition party of making “dangerous” remarks that could put Indians living in the Gulf at risk, and said it is not right to play politics over war.

She also asked what plan does the government have to bring Indians stranded in the Gulf out of harm’s way.

Her remarks came a day after Mr. Modi accused the Congress of making “dangerous” remarks that could put Indians living in the Gulf at risk to gain political advantage.

Asked about the PM’s remarks, Priyanka Gandhi told reporters in the Parliament House complex, “Lives are in danger because bombs are raining from above. What is he doing about that? What is the plan for bringing people out of harm’s way? It is not right to do politics on these things, on war.” “We are one on this and the whole country is united, but we want a solution to the problems that are arising out of the conflict. That is why we are asking for a discussion in Parliament so that a debate takes place and we can also put forward our suggestions and a solution is found,” the Congress general secretary said.

“As this war is continuing, the crises are deepening. Today the gas cylinder has become so expensive that no one is able to buy it. What will happen in future? There will be a shortage of petrol and diesel. So what is the government’s plan to deal with that?” she asked.

The government has said in brief but there should be a discussion so that “we can find solutions unitedly”, Ms. Priyanka Gandhi said. -- PTI

• March 30, 2026 14:09 War disrupts life on the Iraq‑Iran border, isolating families and halting tradeTo speak with his mother inside Iran, Yaser Fattahi waits in self-exile in Iraq for brief calls arranged by a cousin back home who travels close to the border between the neighboring countries where he can pick up a signal to connect them.Fattahi fled to neighboring Iraq in December, fearing arrest over his participation in anti-government protests in Iran. A trained nurse, he was caring for wounded protesters in their homes so they wouldn’t have to seek care in state-run hospitals that were under surveillance.Now, as the war intensifies, he worries constantly for his mother’s safety amid U.S. and Israeli bombardment.War disrupts life on the Iraq‑Iran border, isolating families and halting tradeWar along the Iran-Iraq border isolates families, disrupts trade, and complicates communication, as security forces intensify their presence.

To speak with his mother inside Iran, Yaser Fattahi waits in self-exile in Iraq for brief calls arranged by a cousin back home who travels close to the border between the neighboring countries where he can pick up a signal to connect them.

Fattahi fled to neighboring Iraq in December, fearing arrest over his participation in anti-government protests in Iran. A trained nurse, he was caring for wounded protesters in their homes so they wouldn’t have to seek care in state-run hospitals that were under surveillance.

Now, as the war intensifies, he worries constantly for his mother’s safety amid U.S. and Israeli bombardment.

War disrupts life on the Iraq‑Iran border, isolating families and halting trade

War along the Iran-Iraq border isolates families, disrupts trade, and complicates communication, as security forces intensify their presence.

• March 30, 2026 13:50 Israel military says striking Hezbollah targets in BeirutThe Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes in Lebanon’s capital Beirut on Monday (March 30, 2026) targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.“The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in Beirut,” the military said in a brief statement. -- AFP

The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes in Lebanon’s capital Beirut on Monday (March 30, 2026) targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

“The IDF has begun striking Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in Beirut,” the military said in a brief statement. -- AFP

• March 30, 2026 13:13 Iran confirms killing of Guards Navy commander Alireza TangsiriIran confirmed on Monday (March 30, 2026) that Revolutionary Guards commander Alireza Tangsiri had been killed, days after Israel said it targeted him in an air strike.A statement carried by the Guards’ Sepah News website said Tangsiri “succumbed to severe injuries” from the attack. - AFPIran confirms Revolutionary Guard navy chief Alireza Tangsiri’s deathIran confirms the death of Revolutionary Guard navy chief Alireza Tangsiri, praising his strategic role in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran confirmed on Monday (March 30, 2026) that Revolutionary Guards commander Alireza Tangsiri had been killed, days after Israel said it targeted him in an air strike.

A statement carried by the Guards’ Sepah News website said Tangsiri “succumbed to severe injuries” from the attack.

Iran confirms Revolutionary Guard navy chief Alireza Tangsiri’s death

Iran confirms the death of Revolutionary Guard navy chief Alireza Tangsiri, praising his strategic role in the Strait of Hormuz.

• March 30, 2026 13:06 Bangladesh turns off lights as West Asia conflict deepens energy crunchBangladesh has ordered civil servants to switch off the lights and turn down air conditioning to save power as the West Asia conflict worsens an energy crunch, officials said on Monday (March 30, 2026).The South Asian nation of 170 million people imports 95% of its oil and gas needs.The Ministry of Public Administration issued a string of orders regarding office attendance and saving electricity and fuel, Ministry official Sakhawat Hossain told AFP on Monday.“Only the necessary number of lights, fans, air conditioners, and other electrical equipment should be used”, the order issued late on Sunday (March 29) read.It also reminded workers to turn off the lights when they leave, and ordered that air conditioning temperatures must be set at 25 degrees Celsius, or warmer.Bangladesh has said it is seeking loans of around $2 billion from multilateral donors to tackle energy worries.The government has already taken several measures to curb fuel consumption, including setting limits on fuel purchases, halting production at most fertiliser factories, and deploying police to patrol filling stations. -- AFP

Bangladesh has ordered civil servants to switch off the lights and turn down air conditioning to save power as the West Asia conflict worsens an energy crunch, officials said on Monday (March 30, 2026).

The South Asian nation of 170 million people imports 95% of its oil and gas needs.

The Ministry of Public Administration issued a string of orders regarding office attendance and saving electricity and fuel, Ministry official Sakhawat Hossain told AFP on Monday.

“Only the necessary number of lights, fans, air conditioners, and other electrical equipment should be used”, the order issued late on Sunday (March 29) read.

It also reminded workers to turn off the lights when they leave, and ordered that air conditioning temperatures must be set at 25 degrees Celsius, or warmer.

Bangladesh has said it is seeking loans of around $2 billion from multilateral donors to tackle energy worries.

The government has already taken several measures to curb fuel consumption, including setting limits on fuel purchases, halting production at most fertiliser factories, and deploying police to patrol filling stations. -- AFP

• March 30, 2026 12:50 Iran Energy Ministry says power grid 'stable' after attacksIran has restored electricity in parts of the capital and nearby areas after strikes damaged power grids and briefly disrupted supply, the deputy Energy Minister said on Monday (March 30, 2026).“Following last night’s enemy attack, the power grid in the provinces of Alborz and Tehran sustained damage and was affected,” said Mostafa Rajabi-Mashhadi in an interview with state television.“The power network across Iran’s national electricity grid is stable; in Tehran and Alborz the problems have also been resolved,” he added. -- AFP

Iran has restored electricity in parts of the capital and nearby areas after strikes damaged power grids and briefly disrupted supply, the deputy Energy Minister said on Monday (March 30, 2026).

“Following last night’s enemy attack, the power grid in the provinces of Alborz and Tehran sustained damage and was affected,” said Mostafa Rajabi-Mashhadi in an interview with state television.

“The power network across Iran’s national electricity grid is stable; in Tehran and Alborz the problems have also been resolved,” he added. -- AFP

• March 30, 2026 12:06 Strike hits Beirut's southern suburbs after Israeli warningA strike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday (March 30, 2026), AFPTV footage showed, after Israel issued a warning for people in the Hezbollah stronghold to leave.The strike is the first since Friday in the area, which is now largely deserted since Israel began frequent attacks against Hezbollah in early March.AFPTV’s live broadcast showed plumes of smoke rising from the southern suburbs. -- AFP

A strike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs on Monday (March 30, 2026), AFPTV footage showed, after Israel issued a warning for people in the Hezbollah stronghold to leave.

The strike is the first since Friday in the area, which is now largely deserted since Israel began frequent attacks against Hezbollah in early March.

AFPTV’s live broadcast showed plumes of smoke rising from the southern suburbs. -- AFP

• March 30, 2026 11:58 Israel's Defence Ministry says buying $48 mn worth of Elbit artillery shellsIsrael’s Ministry ‌of Defence on Monday (March 30, 2026) ⁠said that it had placed ‌a $48 million order for “tens ‌of ‌thousands” ⁠of 155mm ⁠artillery shells from Israeli defence company Elbit ‌Systems.The order was part of a ‌broader ministry strategy to reduce Israel’s ⁠reliance on foreign munitions ‌and expand domestic production, the ministry said in ‌a statement.It did not say when ⁠the munitions would ⁠be delivered. -- Reuters

Israel’s Ministry ‌of Defence on Monday (March 30, 2026) ⁠said that it had placed ‌a $48 million order for “tens ‌of ‌thousands” ⁠of 155mm ⁠artillery shells from Israeli defence company Elbit ‌Systems.

The order was part of a ‌broader ministry strategy to reduce Israel’s ⁠reliance on foreign munitions ‌and expand domestic production, the ministry said in ‌a statement.

It did not say when ⁠the munitions would ⁠be delivered. -- Reuters

• March 30, 2026 11:11 Indian national killed in Iranian strikes in KuwaitAn Indian national has been killed in Kuwait in Iranian strikes on a power and water desalination plant, the Indian Embassy said on Monday (March 30, 2026).Expressing its “deepest condolences” at the tragic demise of the Indian national in the attack on Sunday (March 29), the embassy in a social media post said it was closely coordinating with the Kuwaiti authorities to render all possible support and assistance.Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said a service building at one of its power and water distillation plants was damaged during the attack, according to the state-run KUNA news agency.Officials described it as a “brutal attack”. The plant where the attack occurred wasn’t identified.Ministry spokesperson Fatima Jawhar Hayat said the strike resulted in the death of a worker of Indian nationality, Gulf News reported.Technical and emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site to contain the situation and manage the aftermath in line with the ministry’s approved emergency plan, she added.Hayat said specialised teams are working to secure the damaged facilities while coordinating closely with security authorities and other relevant agencies.The ministry said that operational efficiency across the electricity and water network in the country remains intact.Recently, an Indian national was among two killed in the UAE when debris of missiles intercepted by the country’s air defence system fell on a street.Iran’s retaliation after the joint U.S. and Israel strikes on Tehran on February 28 has escalated the war to the entire Gulf region. -- PTI

An Indian national has been killed in Kuwait in Iranian strikes on a power and water desalination plant, the Indian Embassy said on Monday (March 30, 2026).

Expressing its “deepest condolences” at the tragic demise of the Indian national in the attack on Sunday (March 29), the embassy in a social media post said it was closely coordinating with the Kuwaiti authorities to render all possible support and assistance.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy said a service building at one of its power and water distillation plants was damaged during the attack, according to the state-run KUNA news agency.

Officials described it as a “brutal attack”. The plant where the attack occurred wasn’t identified.

Ministry spokesperson Fatima Jawhar Hayat said the strike resulted in the death of a worker of Indian nationality, Gulf News reported.

Technical and emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the site to contain the situation and manage the aftermath in line with the ministry’s approved emergency plan, she added.

Hayat said specialised teams are working to secure the damaged facilities while coordinating closely with security authorities and other relevant agencies.

The ministry said that operational efficiency across the electricity and water network in the country remains intact.

Recently, an Indian national was among two killed in the UAE when debris of missiles intercepted by the country’s air defence system fell on a street.

Iran’s retaliation after the joint U.S. and Israel strikes on Tehran on February 28 has escalated the war to the entire Gulf region. -- PTI

• March 30, 2026 10:35 Israel strikes Tehran as Trump says Iran deal may be reached 'soon' Israel said on Monday (March 30, 2026) it was striking military targets across Tehran, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump insisted a deal could “soon” be reached, while not ruling out ground operations.Iran also launched fresh strikes on Israel, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia after its electrical facilities came under attack at the weekend, cutting power to parts of Tehran and surrounding areas.The war has inflicted havoc on the global economy, with fuel shortages across much of Asia, stock markets in turmoil, and oil prices soaring — the main U.S. benchmark rising past $100 a barrel and Brent close to $117.As Israel pressed its offensive against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, Indonesia confirmed Monday that one of its peacekeepers was killed after the UN force said a projectile hit one of its positions. -- AFP

Israel said on Monday (March 30, 2026) it was striking military targets across Tehran, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump insisted a deal could “soon” be reached, while not ruling out ground operations.

Iran also launched fresh strikes on Israel, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia after its electrical facilities came under attack at the weekend, cutting power to parts of Tehran and surrounding areas.

The war has inflicted havoc on the global economy, with fuel shortages across much of Asia, stock markets in turmoil, and oil prices soaring — the main U.S. benchmark rising past $100 a barrel and Brent close to $117.

As Israel pressed its offensive against Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, Indonesia confirmed Monday that one of its peacekeepers was killed after the UN force said a projectile hit one of its positions. -- AFP

• March 30, 2026 10:24 Rupee rebounds 128 paise from all-time low to 93.57 against U.S. dollar The rupee recovered 128 paise from its all-time low to 93.57 against the U.Sz. dollar in early trade on Monday (March 30, 2026), after the Reserve Bank brought down the net open position that banks can keep overnight at $100 million.Forex traders said the rupee opened stronger as banks who generally have long positions, may have to cut their positions taken in onshore currency markets as per the RBI Director.Through its circular dated March 27, 2026, RBI capped the Net Open Position (NOP-INR) for banks at $100 million, with compliance required by April 10.Rupee rebounds 128 paise from all-time low to 93.57 against U.S. dollarRupee rebounds 128 paise to 93.57 against the dollar amid RBI's position cap and market adjustments by banks.

The rupee recovered 128 paise from its all-time low to 93.57 against the U.Sz. dollar in early trade on Monday (March 30, 2026), after the Reserve Bank brought down the net open position that banks can keep overnight at $100 million.

Forex traders said the rupee opened stronger as banks who generally have long positions, may have to cut their positions taken in onshore currency markets as per the RBI Director.

Through its circular dated March 27, 2026, RBI capped the Net Open Position (NOP-INR) for banks at $100 million, with compliance required by April 10.

Rupee rebounds 128 paise from all-time low to 93.57 against U.S. dollar

Rupee rebounds 128 paise to 93.57 against the dollar amid RBI's position cap and market adjustments by banks.

• March 30, 2026 10:23 Iran warns U.S. against ground invasion as regional powers meet in PakistanIranian forces “are waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional partners forever,” the country’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said.Mr. Qalibaf added: “Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased.”The comments came as regional powers met in Pakistan to discuss how to end the fighting in West Asia as about 2,500 U.S. Marines arrived in the region and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels entered the monthlong war.The war has threatened global supplies of oil and natural gas, sparked fertiliser shortages and disrupted air travel. Iran’s grip on the strategic Strait of Hormuz has shaken markets and prices.The Houthis’ entry could further hurt global shipping if they again target vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off the Red Sea, through which about 12% of the world’s trade typically passes. - AP

Iranian forces “are waiting for the arrival of American troops on the ground to set them on fire and punish their regional partners forever,” the country’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said.

Mr. Qalibaf added: “Our firing continues. Our missiles are in place. Our determination and faith have increased.”

The comments came as regional powers met in Pakistan to discuss how to end the fighting in West Asia as about 2,500 U.S. Marines arrived in the region and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels entered the monthlong war.

The war has threatened global supplies of oil and natural gas, sparked fertiliser shortages and disrupted air travel. Iran’s grip on the strategic Strait of Hormuz has shaken markets and prices.

The Houthis’ entry could further hurt global shipping if they again target vessels in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait off the Red Sea, through which about 12% of the world’s trade typically passes.

• March 30, 2026 10:21 G7 ministers set to tackle financial fallout of West Asia warMinisters from the G7 will hold talks on Monday (March 30, 2026) to unpack the economic consequences of the war in West Asia, the French government said, as oil and gas prices continue to soar.French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the G7 meeting, to be held via videoconference, would include energy and finance ministers as well as central bank chiefs and the heads of other international agencies.“There are already differences in the responses largely linked to differences in exposure to the crisis,” Mr. Lescure told a news conference on Friday, stressing that Asia was particularly exposed to the turmoil.He added that the idea was to exchange views on the impact on financial markets and the economy, later telling local media it was the first time in half a century the G7 had used this format.-AFP

Ministers from the G7 will hold talks on Monday (March 30, 2026) to unpack the economic consequences of the war in West Asia, the French government said, as oil and gas prices continue to soar.

French Finance Minister Roland Lescure said the G7 meeting, to be held via videoconference, would include energy and finance ministers as well as central bank chiefs and the heads of other international agencies.

“There are already differences in the responses largely linked to differences in exposure to the crisis,” Mr. Lescure told a news conference on Friday, stressing that Asia was particularly exposed to the turmoil.

He added that the idea was to exchange views on the impact on financial markets and the economy, later telling local media it was the first time in half a century the G7 had used this format.

• March 30, 2026 10:10 Philippines oil refinery secures 2.5 million barrels of Russian crudeThe Philippines’ sole oil refinery has secured nearly 2.5 million barrels of Russian crude out of “extreme necessity”, a stock exchange filing revealed on Monday (March 30, 2026), as the country seeks to replenish fast-dwindling fuel reserves.The Philippines has seen the price of fuel hit historic highs since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran forced the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with President Ferdinand Marcos most recently saying stocks could last until June 30.AFP reported last week that a tanker filled with Russian crude oil had arrived at the harbour servicing refinery operator Petron Corp, a purchase unthinkable before longtime treaty ally the United States eased sanctions tied to Moscow’s war in Ukraine.In a report to the Philippine stock exchange released on Monday, Petron said it had agreed to purchase Russian crude after seeing at least four million barrels in shipments cancelled since the start of the war in West Asia.-AFP

The Philippines’ sole oil refinery has secured nearly 2.5 million barrels of Russian crude out of “extreme necessity”, a stock exchange filing revealed on Monday (March 30, 2026), as the country seeks to replenish fast-dwindling fuel reserves.

The Philippines has seen the price of fuel hit historic highs since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran forced the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with President Ferdinand Marcos most recently saying stocks could last until June 30.

AFP reported last week that a tanker filled with Russian crude oil had arrived at the harbour servicing refinery operator Petron Corp, a purchase unthinkable before longtime treaty ally the United States eased sanctions tied to Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

In a report to the Philippine stock exchange released on Monday, Petron said it had agreed to purchase Russian crude after seeing at least four million barrels in shipments cancelled since the start of the war in West Asia.

• March 30, 2026 10:03 Trump says intel chief Tulsi Gabbard 'softer' than him on Iran nuclear issueU.S. President Donald Trump hinted at differences among his top aides on their approach to Iran, saying that ‌his intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard was “softer” than him on curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. Mr. Trump, who also suggested that ⁠a deal could be near to contain Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, said “yeah, sure,” when asked by a reporter whether he retained confidence in Gabbard, the ‌U.S. director of national intelligence.-Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at differences among his top aides on their approach to Iran, saying that ‌his intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard was “softer” than him on curbing Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.

Mr. Trump, who also suggested that ⁠a deal could be near to contain Tehran’s nuclear ambitions, said “yeah, sure,” when asked by a reporter whether he retained confidence in Gabbard, the ‌U.S. director of national intelligence.

-Reuters

• March 30, 2026 09:57 People must protest against attack on Iran, India’s foreign policy: N. Ram People must protest against imperialist attacks on Iran and other countries, as well as India’s current foreign policy, said N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Group, on Sunday (March 29, 2026).“We have come to a stage where people must protest against this transformation (of India’s foreign policy), side by side, with our struggle against imperialist attacks on various states and the people of those countries. I would like to express on behalf of everyone here, solidarity with those who are facing imperialist attacks in West Asia, in Latin America, and elsewhere,” Mr. Ram said at a seminar on “Imperialist Aggression and its Impact” at HKS Surjeet Bhavan in central Delhi.People must protest against attack on Iran, India’s foreign policy: N. RamN. Ram criticizes India's foreign policy under Modi, urging protests against imperialism and solidarity with nations facing aggression.

People must protest against imperialist attacks on Iran and other countries, as well as India’s current foreign policy, said N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Group, on Sunday (March 29, 2026).

“We have come to a stage where people must protest against this transformation (of India’s foreign policy), side by side, with our struggle against imperialist attacks on various states and the people of those countries. I would like to express on behalf of everyone here, solidarity with those who are facing imperialist attacks in West Asia, in Latin America, and elsewhere,” Mr. Ram said at a seminar on “Imperialist Aggression and its Impact” at HKS Surjeet Bhavan in central Delhi.

People must protest against attack on Iran, India’s foreign policy: N. Ram

N. Ram criticizes India's foreign policy under Modi, urging protests against imperialism and solidarity with nations facing aggression.

• March 30, 2026 09:49 Indonesia condemns death of Indonesian UNIFIL peacekeeper in southern LebanonIndonesia condemned ‌the death of an Indonesian ⁠peacekeeper with the U.N. mission ‌in Lebanon (UNIFIL), after ‌a ⁠projectile ⁠exploded at one of its positions near ‌the southern Lebanese village of Adchit al-Qusayr ‌on Sunday.Indonesia’s foreign ministry said ⁠harm toward U.N. peacekeepers was ‌unacceptable, and reiterated its condemnation of Israel’s attacks ‌in southern Lebanon, calling on all ⁠parties to respect ⁠Lebanon’s sovereignty.-Reuters

Indonesia condemned ‌the death of an Indonesian ⁠peacekeeper with the U.N. mission ‌in Lebanon (UNIFIL), after ‌a ⁠projectile ⁠exploded at one of its positions near ‌the southern Lebanese village of Adchit al-Qusayr ‌on Sunday.

Indonesia’s foreign ministry said ⁠harm toward U.N. peacekeepers was ‌unacceptable, and reiterated its condemnation of Israel’s attacks ‌in southern Lebanon, calling on all ⁠parties to respect ⁠Lebanon’s sovereignty.

-Reuters

• March 30, 2026 09:38 Asian shares decline as oil prices soar amid the war in IranAsian shares mostly dipped in Monday (March 30, 2026) morning trading as worries continued about soaring oil prices and the potential for further escalation in the U.S. war with Iran.The drops in Asia follow the deep declines on Wall Street last Friday (March 27) that finished off a fifth straight losing week, its longest such streak in nearly four years.Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 4.5% in morning trading to 50,979.54. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 1.2% to 8,417.00. South Korea’s Kospi dove 3.2% to 5,264.32. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.7% to 24,519.63, while the Shanghai Composite shed 0.7% to 3,884.57.In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude jumped $2.28 to $101.92 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, soared $2.88 to $115.45 a barrel. Before the war, brent had been price at about $70 to a barrel.-AP

Asian shares mostly dipped in Monday (March 30, 2026) morning trading as worries continued about soaring oil prices and the potential for further escalation in the U.S. war with Iran.

The drops in Asia follow the deep declines on Wall Street last Friday (March 27) that finished off a fifth straight losing week, its longest such streak in nearly four years.

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 4.5% in morning trading to 50,979.54. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 1.2% to 8,417.00. South Korea’s Kospi dove 3.2% to 5,264.32. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 1.7% to 24,519.63, while the Shanghai Composite shed 0.7% to 3,884.57.

In energy trading, benchmark U.S. crude jumped $2.28 to $101.92 a barrel. Brent crude, the international standard, soared $2.88 to $115.45 a barrel. Before the war, brent had been price at about $70 to a barrel.

• March 30, 2026 09:34 Trump calls Iran's current leaders 'very reasonable' as Pakistan prepares to host talksPresident Donald Trump said the U.S. and Iran have been meeting “directly and indirectly” and that Iran’s new leaders have been “very reasonable”, as more U.S troops arrived in the region and Tehran warned it will not accept humiliation.Mr. Trump’s ‌remarks came after Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary between Tehran and Washington, said it was preparing to host “meaningful talks” in the coming days aimed at ending the month-long Iran war.“I think we’ll make a ⁠deal with them, I’m pretty sure, but it’s possible we won’t,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Sunday (March 29, 2026) evening as he travelled aboard Air Force One to Washington.-Reuters

President Donald Trump said the U.S. and Iran have been meeting “directly and indirectly” and that Iran’s new leaders have been “very reasonable”, as more U.S troops arrived in the region and Tehran warned it will not accept humiliation.

Mr. Trump’s ‌remarks came after Pakistan, which is acting as an intermediary between Tehran and Washington, said it was preparing to host “meaningful talks” in the coming days aimed at ending the month-long Iran war.

“I think we’ll make a ⁠deal with them, I’m pretty sure, but it’s possible we won’t,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Sunday (March 29, 2026) evening as he travelled aboard Air Force One to Washington.

-Reuters

• March 30, 2026 09:26 Japan's Nikkei, benchmark bond tumble as West Asian conflict fuels stagflation fears Japan’s Nikkei share average fell about 5% on Monday (March 30, 2026), erasing its gains for the year in a broad ‌selloff, while benchmark bond yields touched a 27-year high, as the widening West Asian war fuelled ⁠stagflation concerns.The Nikkei was down 4.8% at 50,786.64 after falling as much as 5.3% earlier in the session, and was headed for ‌its biggest monthly drop since the 2008 global financial crisis with a 13.6% plunge. The broader Topix ‌slid 4.5% to 3,486.86.The benchmark 10-year JGB yield ‌rose ⁠to 2.390%, a level not seen since February ⁠1999. It later reversed its course, falling 0.5 basis points to 2.365%. Yields move inversely to bond prices.-Reuters

Japan’s Nikkei share average fell about 5% on Monday (March 30, 2026), erasing its gains for the year in a broad ‌selloff, while benchmark bond yields touched a 27-year high, as the widening West Asian war fuelled ⁠stagflation concerns.

The Nikkei was down 4.8% at 50,786.64 after falling as much as 5.3% earlier in the session, and was headed for ‌its biggest monthly drop since the 2008 global financial crisis with a 13.6% plunge. The broader Topix ‌slid 4.5% to 3,486.86.

The benchmark 10-year JGB yield ‌rose ⁠to 2.390%, a level not seen since February ⁠1999. It later reversed its course, falling 0.5 basis points to 2.365%. Yields move inversely to bond prices.

-Reuters

• March 30, 2026 09:18 Vietnam's PM tells country's largest refinery to cut petrochemicals and boost fuel outputVietnam’s Prime Minister has told the country’s largest oil refinery, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical ‌LLC, to reduce its production of petrochemicals to focus on ⁠fuels, the government said.Pham Minh Chinh also told the refinery to quickly diversify its ‌feedstock to process more types of crude oil, the ‌government said in a statement ‌issued ⁠on Sunday (March 29, 2026) when he visited ⁠the facility.The 200,000-barrel-per-day refinery said last week it had secured sufficient crude oil for uninterrupted operations through to ‌the end of May. It processes crude oil sourced almost entirely from Kuwait.Vietnam will urgently build ‌a new oil storage system next to the refinery to “ensure Vietnam’s energy security,” the statement said.-Reuters

Vietnam’s Prime Minister has told the country’s largest oil refinery, Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical ‌LLC, to reduce its production of petrochemicals to focus on ⁠fuels, the government said.

Pham Minh Chinh also told the refinery to quickly diversify its ‌feedstock to process more types of crude oil, the ‌government said in a statement ‌issued ⁠on Sunday (March 29, 2026) when he visited ⁠the facility.

The 200,000-barrel-per-day refinery said last week it had secured sufficient crude oil for uninterrupted operations through to ‌the end of May. It processes crude oil sourced almost entirely from Kuwait.

Vietnam will urgently build ‌a new oil storage system next to the refinery to “ensure Vietnam’s energy security,” the statement said.

-Reuters

• March 30, 2026 09:08 Australia to halve tax on petrol to bring down costs in wake of Iran warAustralia will halve the tax on ‌fuel and diesel for three months ⁠in a push to bring down costs that have ‌surged due to the U.S.-Israeli war ‌on Iran, Prime Minister ‌Anthony ⁠Albanese said on ⁠Monday (March 30, 2026).The halving of the tax, known as the fuel excise, ‌would reduce the cost of fuel by 26.3 Australian cents per litre, Mr. Albanese ‌said.“We understand the cost pressures for people are very ⁠real as the impact of the war on ‌the other side of the world plays out right here,” Mr. Albanese told a press conference in Canberra.The ‌government would also pause the road user charge on heavy vehicles for ⁠three months.-Reuters

Australia will halve the tax on ‌fuel and diesel for three months ⁠in a push to bring down costs that have ‌surged due to the U.S.-Israeli war ‌on Iran, Prime Minister ‌Anthony ⁠Albanese said on ⁠Monday (March 30, 2026).

The halving of the tax, known as the fuel excise, ‌would reduce the cost of fuel by 26.3 Australian cents per litre, Mr. Albanese ‌said.

“We understand the cost pressures for people are very ⁠real as the impact of the war on ‌the other side of the world plays out right here,” Mr. Albanese told a press conference in Canberra.

The ‌government would also pause the road user charge on heavy vehicles for ⁠three months.

-Reuters

• March 30, 2026 08:54 Trump says Iran has undergone 'regime change' U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that the U.S.-Israel war had achieved regime change in Iran, even as he assured that he would “make a deal” with the Iranians.“I think we’ll make a deal with them, pretty sure... but we’ve had regime change,” Mr. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, citing the number of Iranian leaders killed in the month-long war.“We’re dealing with different people than anybody’s dealt with before. It’s a whole different group of people. So I would consider that regime change,” Mr. Trump said.-AFP

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that the U.S.-Israel war had achieved regime change in Iran, even as he assured that he would “make a deal” with the Iranians.

“I think we’ll make a deal with them, pretty sure... but we’ve had regime change,” Mr. Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, citing the number of Iranian leaders killed in the month-long war.

“We’re dealing with different people than anybody’s dealt with before. It’s a whole different group of people. So I would consider that regime change,” Mr. Trump said.

• March 30, 2026 08:40 Donald Trump says U.S. negotiating with Iran directly and indirectly U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran had agreed to allow 20 ships carrying oil through the Strait of Hormuz starting on Monday (March 30, 2026) morning and continuing over the next few days “out of a sign of respect.”“I would only say that we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation but you never know with Iran because we negotiate with them and then we always have to blow them up,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Sunday (March 29) night board Air Force One as he flew to Washington.Donald Trump says U.S. negotiating with Iran directly and indirectlyTrump announces U.S. negotiations with Iran, hinting at potential deals and regime change amidst ongoing west asia conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran had agreed to allow 20 ships carrying oil through the Strait of Hormuz starting on Monday (March 30, 2026) morning and continuing over the next few days “out of a sign of respect.”

“I would only say that we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation but you never know with Iran because we negotiate with them and then we always have to blow them up,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Sunday (March 29) night board Air Force One as he flew to Washington.

Donald Trump says U.S. negotiating with Iran directly and indirectly

Trump announces U.S. negotiations with Iran, hinting at potential deals and regime change amidst ongoing west asia conflict

• March 30, 2026 08:32 Trump suggests U.S. could take Iran's Kharg IslandU.S. President Donald Trump has raised the idea of American forces seizing Iran’s Kharg Island, its main oil terminal in the Persian Gulf.The comment by Mr. Trump came in an interview published early on Monday (March 30, 2026) by The Financial Times.Iran has threatened to launch its own ground invasion of Gulf Arab countries and new attacks if U.S. troops land on its territory.​Trump suggests U.S. could take Iran's Kharg IslandTrump hints at U.S. seizing Iran's Kharg Island amid rising tensions, while Iran threatens retaliation against Gulf Arab countries.​

U.S. President Donald Trump has raised the idea of American forces seizing Iran’s Kharg Island, its main oil terminal in the Persian Gulf.

The comment by Mr. Trump came in an interview published early on Monday (March 30, 2026) by The Financial Times.

Iran has threatened to launch its own ground invasion of Gulf Arab countries and new attacks if U.S. troops land on its territory.

Trump suggests U.S. could take Iran's Kharg Island

Trump hints at U.S. seizing Iran's Kharg Island amid rising tensions, while Iran threatens retaliation against Gulf Arab countries.

• March 30, 2026 08:22 Iran's Revolutionary Guard says it will target residences of U.S., Israeli officialsIran’s joint military command spokesperson declared on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that the private residences of U.S. and Israeli officials have now become legitimate targets for Iran, as the war in West Asia enters its first month and continues to widen across the region.The threat was aimed at United States and Israeli military and political officials living in West Asia, including Israel. Ebrahim Zolfaghari said that this decision has been made after the U.S. and Israel have targeted residential homes of Iranians in various cities across Iran.-AP

Iran’s joint military command spokesperson declared on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that the private residences of U.S. and Israeli officials have now become legitimate targets for Iran, as the war in West Asia enters its first month and continues to widen across the region.

The threat was aimed at United States and Israeli military and political officials living in West Asia, including Israel.

Ebrahim Zolfaghari said that this decision has been made after the U.S. and Israel have targeted residential homes of Iranians in various cities across Iran.

• March 30, 2026 08:13 Oil prices jump after Yemeni Houthis attack Israel, widening Iran conflict Oil prices extended gains ‌on Monday (March 30, 2026) after Yemen’s Iran-aligned ⁠Houthis launched over the weekend their ‌first attacks on ‌Israel since ‌the ⁠start of ⁠the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, widening the ‌conflict in West Asia. Brent crude futures ‌jumped $3.16, or 2.81%, to $115.73 a ⁠barrel by 2205 GMT ‌after settling 4.2% higher on Friday.U.S. West Texas Intermediate was ‌at $102.77 a barrel, up $3.13, or 3.14%, following ⁠a 5.5% gain ⁠in the previous session.-Reuters

Oil prices extended gains ‌on Monday (March 30, 2026) after Yemen’s Iran-aligned ⁠Houthis launched over the weekend their ‌first attacks on ‌Israel since ‌the ⁠start of ⁠the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, widening the ‌conflict in West Asia.

Brent crude futures ‌jumped $3.16, or 2.81%, to $115.73 a ⁠barrel by 2205 GMT ‌after settling 4.2% higher on Friday.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate was ‌at $102.77 a barrel, up $3.13, or 3.14%, following ⁠a 5.5% gain ⁠in the previous session.

-Reuters

• March 30, 2026 08:09 Donald Trump cites Iran strikes, claims oil “tribute” aboard Air Force One

• March 30, 2026 08:07 Trump says U.S. negotiating with Iran directly and indirectlyU.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran had agreed to allow 20 ships carrying oil through the Strait of Hormuz starting on Monday (March 30, 2026) morning and continuing over the next few days “out of a sign of respect.” “I would only say that we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation but you never know with Iran because we negotiate with them and then we always have to blow them up,” Mr. Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One as he flew to Washington.Mr. Trump was asked if Iran had responded to the 15-point ceasefire plan the U.S. has proposed and he said, they did and added, “They gave us most of the points. Why wouldn’t they?” But Mr. Trump didn’t offer details when asked about Iran, by his telling, appearing to make major concessions. “They’re agreeing with us on the plan,” Mr. Trump said.-AP

U.S. President Donald Trump said that Iran had agreed to allow 20 ships carrying oil through the Strait of Hormuz starting on Monday (March 30, 2026) morning and continuing over the next few days “out of a sign of respect.” “I would only say that we’re doing extremely well in that negotiation but you never know with Iran because we negotiate with them and then we always have to blow them up,” Mr. Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One as he flew to Washington.

Mr. Trump was asked if Iran had responded to the 15-point ceasefire plan the U.S. has proposed and he said, they did and added, “They gave us most of the points. Why wouldn’t they?”

But Mr. Trump didn’t offer details when asked about Iran, by his telling, appearing to make major concessions. “They’re agreeing with us on the plan,” Mr. Trump said.

• March 30, 2026 07:49 UN force in southern Lebanon says peacekeeper killed The UN force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said one of their peacekeepers was killed after a projectile hit one of their positions late on Sunday (March 29, 2026). “A peacekeeper was tragically killed last night when a projectile exploded in a UNIFIL position near Adchit Al Qusayr,” said Monday’s statement. “Another was critically injured.”The UNIFIL statement said they did not know the origin of the projectile but had launched an investigation to find out.State media NNA reported earlier that the position hit belonged to the Indonesian battalion serving with UNIFIL.-AFP

The UN force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said one of their peacekeepers was killed after a projectile hit one of their positions late on Sunday (March 29, 2026).

“A peacekeeper was tragically killed last night when a projectile exploded in a UNIFIL position near Adchit Al Qusayr,” said Monday’s statement. “Another was critically injured.”

The UNIFIL statement said they did not know the origin of the projectile but had launched an investigation to find out.

State media NNA reported earlier that the position hit belonged to the Indonesian battalion serving with UNIFIL.

• March 30, 2026 07:32 Israeli PM says ordered military to ‘further expand’ security zone in Lebanon Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that he had ordered the military to “further expand” a security zone in Lebanon as Israel continues its campaign in the neighbouring country.“In Lebanon, I have just ordered the military to further expand the existing security zone,” Mr. Netanyahu said in a video statement.“This is intended to definitively neutralise the threat of invasion [by Hezbollah militants] and to keep anti-tank missile fire away from the border.”Israeli PM says ordered military to ‘further expand’ security zone in LebanonIsraeli PM Netanyahu announces military expansion of security zone in Lebanon to counter Hezbollah's capabilities amid ongoing conflict.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that he had ordered the military to “further expand” a security zone in Lebanon as Israel continues its campaign in the neighbouring country.

“In Lebanon, I have just ordered the military to further expand the existing security zone,” Mr. Netanyahu said in a video statement.

“This is intended to definitively neutralise the threat of invasion [by Hezbollah militants] and to keep anti-tank missile fire away from the border.”

Israeli PM says ordered military to ‘further expand’ security zone in Lebanon

Israeli PM Netanyahu announces military expansion of security zone in Lebanon to counter Hezbollah's capabilities amid ongoing conflict.

• March 30, 2026 07:28 Petrochemical facility struck in northern IranA petrochemical facility was struck in Iran’s northern region early morning.Iranian media reported early on Monday (March 30, 2026) that one of the facilities of Tabriz Petrochemical was struck in a northern province of the country.They said no hazardous materials had been released.The company takes oil or natural gas and processes them into chemical products used to make everyday materials like plastics and chemicals.-AP

A petrochemical facility was struck in Iran’s northern region early morning.

Iranian media reported early on Monday (March 30, 2026) that one of the facilities of Tabriz Petrochemical was struck in a northern province of the country.

They said no hazardous materials had been released.

The company takes oil or natural gas and processes them into chemical products used to make everyday materials like plastics and chemicals.

• March 30, 2026 07:12 Israeli police prevent Catholic leaders from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at Jerusalem church The Israeli police prevented Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate a private Mass on the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday for the first time in centuries, setting off a wave of criticism from the United States and others.Jerusalem’s major holy sites, including the church, are closed because of the ongoing Iran war, as the city has come under frequent fire from Iranian missiles.Early Monday (March 30, 2026) morning, Israel’s police said it had approved a “limited prayer framework” for the church, in consultation with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.-AP

The Israeli police prevented Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate a private Mass on the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday for the first time in centuries, setting off a wave of criticism from the United States and others.

Jerusalem’s major holy sites, including the church, are closed because of the ongoing Iran war, as the city has come under frequent fire from Iranian missiles.

Early Monday (March 30, 2026) morning, Israel’s police said it had approved a “limited prayer framework” for the church, in consultation with the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.

• March 30, 2026 06:59 Pakistan will be honoured to facilitate talks between U.S. and Iran: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar Pakistan said on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that it was ready to broker and host “meaningful talks” between the United States and Iran to bring an end to their war, outlining growing support for its peace efforts, including from the United Nations and China.The government in Islamabad has emerged as a key facilitator, relaying messages between the two sides to try to stop the conflict from escalating.Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hosted his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey for several hours in the Pakistani capital on Sunday, with concern high about the impact of the fighting, including the choking of maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.Pakistan will be honoured to facilitate talks between U.S. and Iran: Foreign Minister Ishaq DarPakistan is ready to host U.S.-Iran talks, aiming to foster peace and prevent conflict escalation, says Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

Pakistan said on Sunday (March 29, 2026) that it was ready to broker and host “meaningful talks” between the United States and Iran to bring an end to their war, outlining growing support for its peace efforts, including from the United Nations and China.

The government in Islamabad has emerged as a key facilitator, relaying messages between the two sides to try to stop the conflict from escalating.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hosted his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey for several hours in the Pakistani capital on Sunday, with concern high about the impact of the fighting, including the choking of maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan will be honoured to facilitate talks between U.S. and Iran: Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar

Pakistan is ready to host U.S.-Iran talks, aiming to foster peace and prevent conflict escalation, says Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

• March 30, 2026 06:58 Iran strikes Kuwait power station killing one Indian worker: Electricity Ministry An Iranian strike on a power station in Kuwait killed one Indian worker and damaged a building at the site, the Gulf state’s Electricity Ministry said on Monday (March 30, 2026).“A service building at a power and water desalination plant was attacked as part of the Iranian aggression against the State of Kuwait, resulting in the death of an Indian worker and significant material damage to the building,” said Fatima Abbas Jawhar Hayat, a spokesperson for the Ministry.-AFP

An Iranian strike on a power station in Kuwait killed one Indian worker and damaged a building at the site, the Gulf state’s Electricity Ministry said on Monday (March 30, 2026).

“A service building at a power and water desalination plant was attacked as part of the Iranian aggression against the State of Kuwait, resulting in the death of an Indian worker and significant material damage to the building,” said Fatima Abbas Jawhar Hayat, a spokesperson for the Ministry.

Published - March 30, 2026 06:56 am IST

Related Topics

Iran / Israel-US strikes on Iran / West Asia / LPG crisis / Live news / USA / Israel / war / unrest, conflicts and war / armed conflict