Iran-Israel war updates: Trump claims Iran President has asked for a ceasefire; Tehran calls it 'false, baseless'

#### Key Updates

• Trump will reiterate 2-3 week timetable to end Iran war in address, official says

• Iran's Foreign Minister says not responded to U.S. plan, 'no negotiations'

• Jet fuel prices more than doubled to ₹2.07 lakh/kl, commercial LPG up ₹195.50 in India

• Israel strikes factory in Iran, alleges it supplied fentanyl for chemical weapons

• UAE prepares to help U.S., allies open Strait of Hormuz by force: report

• White House says Trump to give address on Iran on April 2 (India time)

#### WATCH | U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran need not make deal

• April 02, 2026 03:44 Iran says U.S. making 'maximalist and irrational' demands: Iranian media Iran said Thursday (April 1) that Washington’s demands were “maximalist and irrational” and denied negotiations were taking place on a ceasefire to stop the war in the Middle East, according to Iranian media.“Messages have been received through intermediaries, including Pakistan, but there is no direct negotiation with the U.S.,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by the ISNA news agency.-AFP

Iran said Thursday (April 1) that Washington’s demands were “maximalist and irrational” and denied negotiations were taking place on a ceasefire to stop the war in the Middle East, according to Iranian media.

“Messages have been received through intermediaries, including Pakistan, but there is no direct negotiation with the U.S.,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by the ISNA news agency.

• April 02, 2026 02:17 Israel medics say 14 wounded after Iranian missile fire Israel’s emergency services said 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl, were wounded near Tel Aviv on Wednesday (April 1) during a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran.Later in the day, medics said they were treating a 61-year-old man in mild condition with blast injuries in the north following fire from Lebanon, where Israeli forces are fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.On Wednesday (April 1) morning, the military said it had identified a missile launched from Yemen, as well as four rounds of Iranian missiles, which activated air raid sirens across large parts of central and northern Israel.- AFP

Israel’s emergency services said 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl, were wounded near Tel Aviv on Wednesday (April 1) during a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran.

Later in the day, medics said they were treating a 61-year-old man in mild condition with blast injuries in the north following fire from Lebanon, where Israeli forces are fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.

On Wednesday (April 1) morning, the military said it had identified a missile launched from Yemen, as well as four rounds of Iranian missiles, which activated air raid sirens across large parts of central and northern Israel.

• April 01, 2026 23:04 Important letter by Iran President Pezeshkian to American people will be released in few hours: OfficialIranian official Mehdi Tabatabai on X said that an important letter by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to the American public will be released in a few hours.- Reuters

Iranian official Mehdi Tabatabai on X said that an important letter by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to the American public will be released in a few hours.

•Reuters

• April 01, 2026 22:22 U.K. to host multi-nation meeting on Hormuz shipping tomorrowBritain will, tomorrow (April 2, 2026), hold a virtual a meeting of about 35 countries to discuss how to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz which has been crippled by the West Asia war.Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the meeting earlier today, while a U.K. official told AFP the meeting would be virtual and held tomorrow.U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host the discussions, Mr. Starmer told reporters during a Downing Street news conference.The meeting will “assess all viable diplomatic and political measures that we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and resume the movement of vital commodities”, he added.“Following that meeting, we will also convene our military planners to look at how we can marshal our capabilities and make the strait accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped,” he added.The discussions will include countries who recently signed a statement saying they were ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”, said Mr. Starmer.Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands are among those to have signed it.- AFP

Britain will, tomorrow (April 2, 2026), hold a virtual a meeting of about 35 countries to discuss how to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz which has been crippled by the West Asia war.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the meeting earlier today, while a U.K. official told AFP the meeting would be virtual and held tomorrow.

U.K. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will host the discussions, Mr. Starmer told reporters during a Downing Street news conference.

The meeting will “assess all viable diplomatic and political measures that we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and resume the movement of vital commodities”, he added.

“Following that meeting, we will also convene our military planners to look at how we can marshal our capabilities and make the strait accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped,” he added.

The discussions will include countries who recently signed a statement saying they were ready “to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz”, said Mr. Starmer.

Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands are among those to have signed it.

• April 01, 2026 22:09 Trump will reiterate 2-3 week timetable to end Iran war in address, official saysU.S. President Donald Trump ⁠is expected to ‌reiterate the ‌two ‌to ⁠three-week ⁠timetable for ending the ‌war in Iran ‌during an address tonight, ‌a White House official ‌said.- Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump ⁠is expected to ‌reiterate the ‌two ‌to ⁠three-week ⁠timetable for ending the ‌war in Iran ‌during an address tonight, ‌a White House official ‌said.

•Reuters

• April 01, 2026 21:28 Israel medics say 14 wounded after Iranian missile fireIsrael’s emergency services said 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl, were wounded near Tel Aviv today during a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran.Later in the day, medics said they were treating a 61-year-old man in mild condition with blast injuries in the north following fire from Lebanon, where Israeli forces are fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah.Today morning, the military said it had identified a missile launched from Yemen, as well as four rounds of Iranian missiles, which activated air raid sirens across large parts of central and northern Israel.In the central city of Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, the Magen David Adom emergency service said it had treated and evacuated to hospital 14 wounded people, including an 11-year-old girl in critical condition with shrapnel injuries. It said a 13-year-old boy and 36-year-old woman, also with shrapnel injuries, were in moderate condition, while a further 11 casualties were in mild condition.Police reported damage at several sites in central Israel, sharing an image of what appeared to be missile debris on a road.- AFP

Israel’s emergency services said 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl, were wounded near Tel Aviv today during a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran.

Today morning, the military said it had identified a missile launched from Yemen, as well as four rounds of Iranian missiles, which activated air raid sirens across large parts of central and northern Israel.

In the central city of Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, the Magen David Adom emergency service said it had treated and evacuated to hospital 14 wounded people, including an 11-year-old girl in critical condition with shrapnel injuries. It said a 13-year-old boy and 36-year-old woman, also with shrapnel injuries, were in moderate condition, while a further 11 casualties were in mild condition.

Police reported damage at several sites in central Israel, sharing an image of what appeared to be missile debris on a road.

• April 01, 2026 21:27 U.S. VP Vance spoke to intermediaries about Iran conflict as recently as Tuesday, source saysU.S. Vice President JD Vance communicated with intermediaries from Pakistan about the Iran ‌conflict as recently as Tuesday, a person briefed on the matter ⁠told Reuters, a sign of his expanding role in efforts to broker an end ‌to the conflict.At President Donald Trump’s direction, Vance signaled privately that ‌Trump was open to ‌a ⁠ceasefire as long as certain U.S. ⁠demands were met, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the source told Reuters on Wednesday.Vance also delivered what ‌the source described as a “stern message” that Trump was impatient, warning there would be growing pressure on Iranian infrastructure ‌unless Tehran agreed to a deal.- Reuters

U.S. Vice President JD Vance communicated with intermediaries from Pakistan about the Iran ‌conflict as recently as Tuesday, a person briefed on the matter ⁠told Reuters, a sign of his expanding role in efforts to broker an end ‌to the conflict.

At President Donald Trump’s direction, Vance signaled privately that ‌Trump was open to ‌a ⁠ceasefire as long as certain U.S. ⁠demands were met, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the source told Reuters on Wednesday.

Vance also delivered what ‌the source described as a “stern message” that Trump was impatient, warning there would be growing pressure on Iranian infrastructure ‌unless Tehran agreed to a deal.

•Reuters

• April 01, 2026 19:06 U.S. to leave Iran 'pretty quickly' and return if needed, says TrumpThe United States ‌will be “out of Iran pretty quickly” and could return ⁠for “spot hits” if needed, President Donald Trump told Reuters today, hours ‌before he was scheduled to make a ‌primetime address to the nation.Mr. Trump ‌also ⁠said he would express ⁠his disgust with NATO for what he considers the alliance’s lack of support for ‌U.S. objectives in Iran. He said he is “absolutely” considering an attempt to withdraw the United ‌States from NATO.Asked when the United States would consider the Iran ⁠war over, Trump said: “I can’t tell you exactly .... we’re going ‌to be out pretty quickly.”He said U.S. action has ensured Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.“They won’t have a nuclear weapon ‌because they are incapable of that now, and then I’ll leave, and I’ll take everybody with ⁠me, and if we have ⁠to we’ll come back to do spot hits,” ‌Mr. Trump said.- Reuters

The United States ‌will be “out of Iran pretty quickly” and could return ⁠for “spot hits” if needed, President Donald Trump told Reuters today, hours ‌before he was scheduled to make a ‌primetime address to the nation.

Mr. Trump ‌also ⁠said he would express ⁠his disgust with NATO for what he considers the alliance’s lack of support for ‌U.S. objectives in Iran. He said he is “absolutely” considering an attempt to withdraw the United ‌States from NATO.

Asked when the United States would consider the Iran ⁠war over, Trump said: “I can’t tell you exactly .... we’re going ‌to be out pretty quickly.”

He said U.S. action has ensured Iran will not have a nuclear weapon.

“They won’t have a nuclear weapon ‌because they are incapable of that now, and then I’ll leave, and I’ll take everybody with ⁠me, and if we have ⁠to we’ll come back to do spot hits,” ‌Mr. Trump said.

•Reuters

• April 01, 2026 18:57 Trump claims Iran President has asked for a ceasefireU.S. President Donald Trump today said that Iran President has asked for a ceasefire and that the U.S. will consider it when the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear”.“Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE! We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!! President DJT,” Mr. Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

U.S. President Donald Trump today said that Iran President has asked for a ceasefire and that the U.S. will consider it when the Strait of Hormuz is “open, free, and clear”.

“Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE! We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!! President DJT,” Mr. Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

• April 01, 2026 18:00 UN warns of rights clampdown in Iran, across Mideast amid warIran and countries across West Asia are using the war as an excuse to clamp down on rights, the UN warned today as it denounced attempts to limit media freedom in Israel and the United States.“We are witnessing a sharp securitisation of civic space across the region, with severe restrictions imposed by governments on people exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.He also decried “attempts to limit media freedom, such as restrictions imposed by Israeli military censorship authorities, and a threat by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to revoke broadcast licences for coverage deemed critical of the war.”- AFP

Iran and countries across West Asia are using the war as an excuse to clamp down on rights, the UN warned today as it denounced attempts to limit media freedom in Israel and the United States.

“We are witnessing a sharp securitisation of civic space across the region, with severe restrictions imposed by governments on people exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.

He also decried “attempts to limit media freedom, such as restrictions imposed by Israeli military censorship authorities, and a threat by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission to revoke broadcast licences for coverage deemed critical of the war.”

• April 01, 2026 17:16 U.S. is considering exiting ‘paper tiger NATO’, says TrumpU.S. is considering exiting ‘paper tiger NATO’, says TrumpTrump considers exiting NATO, calling it a "paper tiger" after allies declined to support the U.S. in the Iran conflict.

U.S. is considering exiting ‘paper tiger NATO’, says Trump

Trump considers exiting NATO, calling it a "paper tiger" after allies declined to support the U.S. in the Iran conflict.

• April 01, 2026 16:40 Japan, France agree to step up coordination on Hormuz, Iran warJapan and France agreed today to coordinate closely in pushing for an end ‌to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and the reopening of the Strait ⁠of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.“Because the international situation is so challenging, ‌I believe there is great significance in the leaders of Japan and France ‌deepening their personal ties and making ‌our ⁠cooperation even stronger,” Ms. Takaichi said after talks ⁠with French President Emmanuel Macron in Tokyo on security ties and industrial cooperation.Japan, which normally gets around 90% of ⁠its oil from the Middle East, has begun drawing on its oil reserves to cushion the ‌economic blow.-Reuters

Japan and France agreed today to coordinate closely in pushing for an end ‌to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and the reopening of the Strait ⁠of Hormuz to oil and gas tankers, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

“Because the international situation is so challenging, ‌I believe there is great significance in the leaders of Japan and France ‌deepening their personal ties and making ‌our ⁠cooperation even stronger,” Ms. Takaichi said after talks ⁠with French President Emmanuel Macron in Tokyo on security ties and industrial cooperation.

Japan, which normally gets around 90% of ⁠its oil from the Middle East, has begun drawing on its oil reserves to cushion the ‌economic blow.

-Reuters

• April 01, 2026 16:37 No crude-for-LPG swap deal with Japan, Indian official saysIndia did not ‌have a crude-for-LPG swap deal ⁠with Japan, an Indian government official ‌said today, citing ‌rules ‌which ⁠did not ⁠allow such crude oil exports by New Delhi.“I ‌am not aware. Our rules do not ‌allow crude oil and LPG exports,” Sujata ⁠Sharma, joint secretary in the ‌Oil Ministry, said.Reuters reported last week that Inpex may consider supplying ‌India with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in exchange for ⁠naphtha and crude ⁠oil.-Reuters

India did not ‌have a crude-for-LPG swap deal ⁠with Japan, an Indian government official ‌said today, citing ‌rules ‌which ⁠did not ⁠allow such crude oil exports by New Delhi.

“I ‌am not aware. Our rules do not ‌allow crude oil and LPG exports,” Sujata ⁠Sharma, joint secretary in the ‌Oil Ministry, said.

Reuters reported last week that Inpex may consider supplying ‌India with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in exchange for ⁠naphtha and crude ⁠oil.

-Reuters

• April 01, 2026 16:16 One injured following intercepted drone attack in UAEAn Indian national was injured following a drone interception in an industrial zone of the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain in the UAE today, authorities said.The Umm Al Quwain media office reported an incident “near a facility in the Umm Al Thuoob Industrial Area, resulting from falling shrapnel following the successful interception of a drone by air defence systems”.“The incident led to the injury of one Indian national,” the statement shared on the official news agency WAM said.-AFP

An Indian national was injured following a drone interception in an industrial zone of the northern emirate of Umm Al Quwain in the UAE today, authorities said.

The Umm Al Quwain media office reported an incident “near a facility in the Umm Al Thuoob Industrial Area, resulting from falling shrapnel following the successful interception of a drone by air defence systems”.

“The incident led to the injury of one Indian national,” the statement shared on the official news agency WAM said.

• April 01, 2026 16:15 Israeli strike in Beirut kill Hezbollah commander for Iraq: sourcesAn Israeli strike in the Jnah area of Beirut early today killed Hezbollah’s top commander for Iraq military affairs, Yousef Hashem, a Lebanese security source and a Hezbollah source both told AFP.The security source said “a senior Hezbollah official, who is the military chief for the Iraq file, named Youssef Hashem, was killed in the strike on the Jnah area in Beirut,” adding that “he was in a meeting inside a tent near several vehicles”.A source close to Hezbollah confirmed the information, while the Health Ministry announced a final toll of seven people killed in the strike.-AFP

An Israeli strike in the Jnah area of Beirut early today killed Hezbollah’s top commander for Iraq military affairs, Yousef Hashem, a Lebanese security source and a Hezbollah source both told AFP.

The security source said “a senior Hezbollah official, who is the military chief for the Iraq file, named Youssef Hashem, was killed in the strike on the Jnah area in Beirut,” adding that “he was in a meeting inside a tent near several vehicles”.

A source close to Hezbollah confirmed the information, while the Health Ministry announced a final toll of seven people killed in the strike.

• April 01, 2026 16:13 Economic effects of war manageable for Turkiye, Simsek presentation saysShort-term economic effects of ‌the Iran war are ⁠negative but manageable for Turkiye, ‌with energy supply security ‌not at ‌stake ⁠and ⁠fiscal space being deployed as a shock absorber, ‌a presentation by its Finance Minister said ‌today.“Limited warflation, wider current account ⁠deficit, slower growth,” are among ‌the effects, according to the presentation by Mehmet Simsek ‌to investors in London, a copy ⁠of which was ⁠shared by his Ministry.-Reuters

Short-term economic effects of ‌the Iran war are ⁠negative but manageable for Turkiye, ‌with energy supply security ‌not at ‌stake ⁠and ⁠fiscal space being deployed as a shock absorber, ‌a presentation by its Finance Minister said ‌today.

“Limited warflation, wider current account ⁠deficit, slower growth,” are among ‌the effects, according to the presentation by Mehmet Simsek ‌to investors in London, a copy ⁠of which was ⁠shared by his Ministry.

-Reuters

• April 01, 2026 16:09 French President Macron reaffirms importance of freedom of navigation in HormuzFrench President Emmanuel Macron ‌said today ⁠that he shared Japanese Prime ‌Minister Sanae Takaichi’s position ‌on ‌the ⁠need to ⁠restore freedom of navigation in the Strait ‌of Hormuz, speaking alongside her in Tokyo.The ‌U.S.–Israeli war with Iran has rattled ⁠global markets and effectively ‌shut the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for ‌a fifth of global oil and liquefied ⁠natural gas flows.-Reuters

French President Emmanuel Macron ‌said today ⁠that he shared Japanese Prime ‌Minister Sanae Takaichi’s position ‌on ‌the ⁠need to ⁠restore freedom of navigation in the Strait ‌of Hormuz, speaking alongside her in Tokyo.

The ‌U.S.–Israeli war with Iran has rattled ⁠global markets and effectively ‌shut the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for ‌a fifth of global oil and liquefied ⁠natural gas flows.

-Reuters

• April 01, 2026 16:07 West Asia oil supply disruptions to rise in April and hit Europe, IEA chief saysOil supply disruptions from the West Asia ‌will rise in April and ⁠will hit Europe as supplies dwindle due to ‌the closure of the Strait ‌of Hormuz, International ‌Energy ⁠Agency head ⁠Fatih Birol said today.“The loss of oil in ‌April will be twice of oil loss in March, on ‌top of the loss of LNG... The biggest ⁠problem today is the lack of jet ‌fuel and diesel. We are seeing that in Asia, but soon, I think, in ‌April or May, it would come to Europe,” Mr. Birol told ⁠a podcast with ⁠Nicolai Tangen, the head of ‌Norway’s sovereign wealth fund.-Reuters

Oil supply disruptions from the West Asia ‌will rise in April and ⁠will hit Europe as supplies dwindle due to ‌the closure of the Strait ‌of Hormuz, International ‌Energy ⁠Agency head ⁠Fatih Birol said today.

“The loss of oil in ‌April will be twice of oil loss in March, on ‌top of the loss of LNG... The biggest ⁠problem today is the lack of jet ‌fuel and diesel. We are seeing that in Asia, but soon, I think, in ‌April or May, it would come to Europe,” Mr. Birol told ⁠a podcast with ⁠Nicolai Tangen, the head of ‌Norway’s sovereign wealth fund.

-Reuters

• April 01, 2026 15:57 U.K. PM calls NATO world's 'most effective military alliance' after Trump criticismBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer called NATO “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen” today, following renewed criticism of the group by U.S. President Donald Trump.“It has kept us safe for many decades, and we are fully committed to NATO,” Starmer told a press conference, after Trump told the U.K.’s Telegraph newspaper that the alliance was a “paper tiger”.-AFP

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called NATO “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen” today, following renewed criticism of the group by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“It has kept us safe for many decades, and we are fully committed to NATO,” Starmer told a press conference, after Trump told the U.K.’s Telegraph newspaper that the alliance was a “paper tiger”.

• April 01, 2026 15:49 U.S.-Israeli strikes hit steel complexes in central, southwest Iran: mediaU.S.-Israeli strikes have hit steel complexes in central and southwest Iran, causing damage to production units, Iranian media reported today.“Initial assessments indicate massive attacks, with significant damage and destruction to production units” at the complex of the Mobarakeh Steel Company, one of Iran’s biggest, in the central province of Isfahan, Fars news agency reported, quoting a statement by the company.It added that one of the company’s subsidiaries, Sefid Dasht Steel, in the southwestern Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, had also “sustained damage and losses”.The complex in Isfahan was attacked on Friday, along with Khuzestan Steel factories in southwestern Iran.-AFP

U.S.-Israeli strikes have hit steel complexes in central and southwest Iran, causing damage to production units, Iranian media reported today.

“Initial assessments indicate massive attacks, with significant damage and destruction to production units” at the complex of the Mobarakeh Steel Company, one of Iran’s biggest, in the central province of Isfahan, Fars news agency reported, quoting a statement by the company.

It added that one of the company’s subsidiaries, Sefid Dasht Steel, in the southwestern Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, had also “sustained damage and losses”.

The complex in Isfahan was attacked on Friday, along with Khuzestan Steel factories in southwestern Iran.

• April 01, 2026 15:47 Starmer says U.K. to host multi-nation meeting on Hormuz shippingBritain will this week host a meeting of about 35 countries to discuss how to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been crippled by the war, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today.The meeting will “assess all viable diplomatic and political measures that we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and resume the movement of vital commodities”, Mr. Starmer told reporters.-AFP

Britain will this week host a meeting of about 35 countries to discuss how to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been crippled by the war, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today.

• April 01, 2026 15:40 UK requires closer EU partnerships due to volatile world, Starmer saysPrime Minister Keir Starmer said today that the global instability ‌caused by the war in Iran means Britain should align ⁠more closely with the European Union on security and economy, following criticism from U.S. President ‌Donald Trump.At a press conference aimed at easing public ‌concern over rising energy costs, Starmer ‌said ⁠the impact of the ⁠war would “define us for a generation” and could be similar to the rise in energy prices in ‌the 1970s.“We want to be more ambitious, closer economic cooperation, closer security cooperation, a partnership that recognises our shared ‌values, our shared interest and our shared future” with the EU, Mr. Starmer told reporters.Mr. Trump yesterday again criticised European countries that refused to join his war against ‌Iran, calling out Britain and France, as transatlantic relations deteriorated from the conflict that has driven up energy prices.The president warned Britain and other countries to “start learning how to ‌fight for yourself” because the U.S. “won’t be there to help you anymore”.-Reuters

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said today that the global instability ‌caused by the war in Iran means Britain should align ⁠more closely with the European Union on security and economy, following criticism from U.S. President ‌Donald Trump.

At a press conference aimed at easing public ‌concern over rising energy costs, Starmer ‌said ⁠the impact of the ⁠war would “define us for a generation” and could be similar to the rise in energy prices in ‌the 1970s.

“We want to be more ambitious, closer economic cooperation, closer security cooperation, a partnership that recognises our shared ‌values, our shared interest and our shared future” with the EU, Mr. Starmer told reporters.

Mr. Trump yesterday again criticised European countries that refused to join his war against ‌Iran, calling out Britain and France, as transatlantic relations deteriorated from the conflict that has driven up energy prices.

The president warned Britain and other countries to “start learning how to ‌fight for yourself” because the U.S. “won’t be there to help you anymore”.

-Reuters

• April 01, 2026 15:33 Trump says U.S. strongly considering NATO exitU.S. President Donald Trump said he was strongly ‌considering pulling the United States ⁠out of NATO after allies failed to back U.S. ‌military action against Iran, according to ‌an interview with ‌Britain’s ⁠ Daily Telegraph.Mr. Trump ⁠described the alliance as a “paper tiger” and said removing the United ‌States from the defence pact was now “beyond reconsideration,” the newspaper reported. ‌He said he had long held doubts about NATO’s ⁠credibility.“Oh yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration,” ‌Mr. Trump told the newspaper when asked about whether he would reconsider U.S. membership of the alliance ‌after the conflict.“I was never swayed by NATO. I always ⁠knew they were a ⁠paper tiger, and Mr. Putin knows that ‌too, by the way.”-Reuters

U.S. President Donald Trump said he was strongly ‌considering pulling the United States ⁠out of NATO after allies failed to back U.S. ‌military action against Iran, according to ‌an interview with ‌Britain’s ⁠ Daily Telegraph.

Mr. Trump ⁠described the alliance as a “paper tiger” and said removing the United ‌States from the defence pact was now “beyond reconsideration,” the newspaper reported. ‌He said he had long held doubts about NATO’s ⁠credibility.

“Oh yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration,” ‌Mr. Trump told the newspaper when asked about whether he would reconsider U.S. membership of the alliance ‌after the conflict.

“I was never swayed by NATO. I always ⁠knew they were a ⁠paper tiger, and Mr. Putin knows that ‌too, by the way.”

-Reuters

• April 01, 2026 15:09 South Korea to tighten public-sector driving curbs as energy alert raisedSouth Korea said today it would further tighten driving restrictions for public sector workers, as ‌Asia’s fourth-largest economy raised its resource security crisis alert in the ⁠face of the war.South Korea is raising its energy security alert ‌to a “warning” as of Thursday, the energy ministry said, ‌up from “caution” and “concern” levels issued ‌during ⁠March due to prolonged instability in ⁠West Asia, heightening uncertainty over energy supply.The Ministry announced that an odd-even rule that restricts when public-sector ‌vehicles can be used depending on the number on their licence plate will come into effect on April ‌8. It will affect around 11,000 public institutions.This replaces a looser mandatory vehicle rotation system ⁠for public sector vehicles in late March .-Reuters

South Korea said today it would further tighten driving restrictions for public sector workers, as ‌Asia’s fourth-largest economy raised its resource security crisis alert in the ⁠face of the war.

South Korea is raising its energy security alert ‌to a “warning” as of Thursday, the energy ministry said, ‌up from “caution” and “concern” levels issued ‌during ⁠March due to prolonged instability in ⁠West Asia, heightening uncertainty over energy supply.

The Ministry announced that an odd-even rule that restricts when public-sector ‌vehicles can be used depending on the number on their licence plate will come into effect on April ‌8. It will affect around 11,000 public institutions.

This replaces a looser mandatory vehicle rotation system ⁠for public sector vehicles in late March .

-Reuters

• April 01, 2026 14:24 Philippines eyes 'deepening cooperation' with Iran on energyThe Philippines is committed to “deepening cooperation” with Iran, particularly on energy, Manila’s Foreign Secretary said today as the import-dependent archipelago jockeys with other regional countries for desperately needed oil.The price of fuel has hit historic highs in the Philippines since treaty ally the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, with the war forcing the partial closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz.President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency last week, later saying that “nothing was off the table” as the country of 116 million tried to meet its need for fuel.Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said in a post on social media platform X today that she had explored “key avenues of operation” in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh that also included Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.-AFP

The Philippines is committed to “deepening cooperation” with Iran, particularly on energy, Manila’s Foreign Secretary said today as the import-dependent archipelago jockeys with other regional countries for desperately needed oil.

The price of fuel has hit historic highs in the Philippines since treaty ally the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, with the war forcing the partial closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz.

President Ferdinand Marcos declared a state of national energy emergency last week, later saying that “nothing was off the table” as the country of 116 million tried to meet its need for fuel.

Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said in a post on social media platform X today that she had explored “key avenues of operation” in a meeting with Iranian Ambassador Yousef Esmaeilzadeh that also included Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin.

• April 01, 2026 14:17 Greenpeace accuses oil companies of reaping Mideast 'war profits'A study commissioned by Greenpeace said today that oil companies have been making more than 80 million euros a day in “war profits” in the European Union since the start of the war.“If this level persists, the oil companies can expect additional operating profits of approximately 2.5 billion euros ($2.9 billion) for the month of March alone,” the study said.The study examined the difference between the price of crude oil and the price of fuel at the pump between January and February 2026, and the first three weeks of the war in March.“The report shows that the rise in prices at the pump is far greater than that of underlying crude oil prices,” Greenpeace said in a statement.-AFP

A study commissioned by Greenpeace said today that oil companies have been making more than 80 million euros a day in “war profits” in the European Union since the start of the war.

“If this level persists, the oil companies can expect additional operating profits of approximately 2.5 billion euros ($2.9 billion) for the month of March alone,” the study said.

The study examined the difference between the price of crude oil and the price of fuel at the pump between January and February 2026, and the first three weeks of the war in March.

“The report shows that the rise in prices at the pump is far greater than that of underlying crude oil prices,” Greenpeace said in a statement.

• April 01, 2026 14:07 Australia PM warns months ahead 'may not be easy'Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned today that the months ahead “may not be easy” because of the war, in a rare address to the nation across television networks.“The months ahead may not be easy. I want to be upfront about that. No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing,” Mr. Albanese said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese warned today that the months ahead “may not be easy” because of the war, in a rare address to the nation across television networks.

“The months ahead may not be easy. I want to be upfront about that. No government can promise to eliminate the pressures that this war is causing,” Mr. Albanese said.

• April 01, 2026 14:00 Israel medics say 14 wounded after Iranian missile fireIsrael’s emergency medical service said 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl, were wounded during a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran and police said caused damage at several sites.The military said it had “identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel” for the first time in about 20 hours, with air raid sirens activated across central Israel.Another warning of incoming missile fire came less than an hour later, prompting alerts across large parts of northern and central Israel, according to the military’s Home Front Command.“EMTs and paramedics are providing medical treatment and evacuating to hospitals 14 casualties,” the Magen David Adom emergency medical service said in a statement, including an 11-year-old girl in a serious condition with shrapnel injuries.-AFP

Israel’s emergency medical service said 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl, were wounded during a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran and police said caused damage at several sites.

The military said it had “identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel” for the first time in about 20 hours, with air raid sirens activated across central Israel.

Another warning of incoming missile fire came less than an hour later, prompting alerts across large parts of northern and central Israel, according to the military’s Home Front Command.

“EMTs and paramedics are providing medical treatment and evacuating to hospitals 14 casualties,” the Magen David Adom emergency medical service said in a statement, including an 11-year-old girl in a serious condition with shrapnel injuries.

• April 01, 2026 13:58 Malaysia ships not paying any toll to pass Strait of Hormuz, government saysMalaysia has ‌several ships waiting in a ⁠queue to transit the Strait ‌of Hormuz, and they ‌have been ‌allowed ⁠to pass ⁠without having to pay any tolls to ‌Iran, a spokesperson for the government said ‌today.“We will not pay ⁠any toll as what ‌may have been misunderstood by some netizens online. We’re not ‌paying anything,” Fahmi Fadzil, who is also ⁠the Communications Minister, told a ⁠regular press conference.-AP

Malaysia has ‌several ships waiting in a ⁠queue to transit the Strait ‌of Hormuz, and they ‌have been ‌allowed ⁠to pass ⁠without having to pay any tolls to ‌Iran, a spokesperson for the government said ‌today.

“We will not pay ⁠any toll as what ‌may have been misunderstood by some netizens online. We’re not ‌paying anything,” Fahmi Fadzil, who is also ⁠the Communications Minister, told a ⁠regular press conference.

• April 01, 2026 13:54 Airstrike on Iran's capital appears to hit former U.S. Embassy compoundAn airstrike in Iran’s capital, Tehran, this morning appears to have struck inside the former U.S. Embassy compound.The embassy has been controlled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard since the 1979 hostage crisis. Its all-volunteer Basij force operates the compound, running an anti-American museum inside the embassy and other in new buildings on its grounds.Witnesses saw blown-out windows surrounding the massive compound on Tehran’s Taleghani Street. However, there was no missile strike visible around the compound, with witnesses saying they believe the strike happened inside the compound.-AP

An airstrike in Iran’s capital, Tehran, this morning appears to have struck inside the former U.S. Embassy compound.

The embassy has been controlled by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard since the 1979 hostage crisis. Its all-volunteer Basij force operates the compound, running an anti-American museum inside the embassy and other in new buildings on its grounds.

Witnesses saw blown-out windows surrounding the massive compound on Tehran’s Taleghani Street. However, there was no missile strike visible around the compound, with witnesses saying they believe the strike happened inside the compound.

• April 01, 2026 13:48 Qatar says Iran missile struck tanker in its watersQatar said today that a tanker leased to its state-owned energy company was struck by an Iranian missile in the Gulf country’s territorial waters.“Qatar was targeted... by three cruise missiles launched from Iran,” the Gulf state’s Defence Ministry said in a statement.Qatar’s military “intercepted two of the cruise missiles, while the third missile struck an oil tanker leased to QatarEnergy in Qatar’s territorial waters,” it said.“Coordination was established with relevant authorities to evacuate the tanker, which had 21 crew members on board, without any human casualties,” the Defence Ministry added.-AFP

Qatar said today that a tanker leased to its state-owned energy company was struck by an Iranian missile in the Gulf country’s territorial waters.

“Qatar was targeted... by three cruise missiles launched from Iran,” the Gulf state’s Defence Ministry said in a statement.

Qatar’s military “intercepted two of the cruise missiles, while the third missile struck an oil tanker leased to QatarEnergy in Qatar’s territorial waters,” it said.

“Coordination was established with relevant authorities to evacuate the tanker, which had 21 crew members on board, without any human casualties,” the Defence Ministry added.

• April 01, 2026 12:56 Iran's Foreign Minister says not responded to U.S. plan, 'no negotiations' Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there were no negotiations with the United States and that Tehran had not responded to a reported 15-point proposal from Washington to end the war.“We receive messages from the American side, some direct and some through our friends in the region, and whenever necessary we respond to these messages,” Mr. Araghchi said in an interview with Al Jazeera aired on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) and dubbed into Arabic from Persian.“There are no grounds for negotiations,” he said, adding however that some messages had been exchanged directly with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.AFP

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said there were no negotiations with the United States and that Tehran had not responded to a reported 15-point proposal from Washington to end the war.

“We receive messages from the American side, some direct and some through our friends in the region, and whenever necessary we respond to these messages,” Mr. Araghchi said in an interview with Al Jazeera aired on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) and dubbed into Arabic from Persian.

“There are no grounds for negotiations,” he said, adding however that some messages had been exchanged directly with U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.

• April 01, 2026 12:38 Israeli fire killed UN peacekeeper in Lebanon on March 29: reportA UN security source told AFP that Israeli fire had killed an Indonesian peacekeeper over the weekend, after the UN force said it was investigating the incident.The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon had said that the peacekeeper was killed on Sunday evening (March 29, 2026) when a projectile of unknown origin “exploded in a UNIFIL position near Adchit al Qusayr”.The source told AFP on condition of anonymity that investigations had shown the fire came from an Israeli tank, adding that “debris from a tank round has been recovered” at the site.

A UN security source told AFP that Israeli fire had killed an Indonesian peacekeeper over the weekend, after the UN force said it was investigating the incident.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon had said that the peacekeeper was killed on Sunday evening (March 29, 2026) when a projectile of unknown origin “exploded in a UNIFIL position near Adchit al Qusayr”.

The source told AFP on condition of anonymity that investigations had shown the fire came from an Israeli tank, adding that “debris from a tank round has been recovered” at the site.

• April 01, 2026 12:24 Yemen's Houthis claim third missile attack targeting IsraelYemen’s Houthis on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting Israel that they said was launched jointly with their backer Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. This was the third such attack by the Houthis since they entered the war recently. The Houthis “carried out the third military operation... targeting sensitive Israeli enemy targets... with a barrage of ballistic missiles”, military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a video statement.“This operation was conducted jointly with our mujahideen brothers in Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon,” he added.Reuters

Yemen’s Houthis on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting Israel that they said was launched jointly with their backer Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. This was the third such attack by the Houthis since they entered the war recently.

The Houthis “carried out the third military operation... targeting sensitive Israeli enemy targets... with a barrage of ballistic missiles”, military spokesman Yahya Saree said in a video statement.

“This operation was conducted jointly with our mujahideen brothers in Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon,” he added.

• April 01, 2026 11:54 Argentina designates Iran's IRGC a terrorist organisation, aligning with U.S.Argentina has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard ‌Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, its presidential office said ⁠in a statement on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), following a push from the Trump administration ‌for allies to do so.Argentina attributed the measure ‌to the IRGC’s backing ‌for Lebanon-based ⁠Hezbollah, which it ⁠blames for the deadliest bombing in the South American nation’s history, a 1994 attack on the ‌AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 and injured hundreds.The presidential ‌office said the measure allows for the implementation of financial sanctions and other ⁠operational restrictions.Reuters

Argentina has designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard ‌Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation, its presidential office said ⁠in a statement on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), following a push from the Trump administration ‌for allies to do so.

Argentina attributed the measure ‌to the IRGC’s backing ‌for Lebanon-based ⁠Hezbollah, which it ⁠blames for the deadliest bombing in the South American nation’s history, a 1994 attack on the ‌AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires that killed 85 and injured hundreds.

The presidential ‌office said the measure allows for the implementation of financial sanctions and other ⁠operational restrictions.

• April 01, 2026 11:51 Israel medics say 11-year-old wounded after Iran missile fireIsrael’s emergency medical service said an 11-year-old girl was in serious condition after a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran and police said caused damage at several sites.The military said it had “identified missiles launched from Iran towards the territory of the State of Israel” for the first time in about 20 hours, with air raid sirens activated across central Israel.Another warning of incoming missile fire came less than an hour later, prompting alerts across large parts of northern and central Israel, according to the military’s Home Front Command.AFP

Israel’s emergency medical service said an 11-year-old girl was in serious condition after a missile attack that the military blamed on Iran and police said caused damage at several sites.

Another warning of incoming missile fire came less than an hour later, prompting alerts across large parts of northern and central Israel, according to the military’s Home Front Command.

• April 01, 2026 11:13 Bangladeshi killed by drone shrapnel in UAE: official media A Bangladeshi national was killed by falling shrapnel after a drone interception in the United Arab Emirates, the official WAM news agency said on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).“Shrapnel falling from the interception of a drone... resulted in the killing of a person of Bangladeshi nationality,” WAM posted on X, adding that the incident happened in Fujairah, which is close to the Strait of Hormuz.AFP

A Bangladeshi national was killed by falling shrapnel after a drone interception in the United Arab Emirates, the official WAM news agency said on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

“Shrapnel falling from the interception of a drone... resulted in the killing of a person of Bangladeshi nationality,” WAM posted on X, adding that the incident happened in Fujairah, which is close to the Strait of Hormuz.

• April 01, 2026 10:59 Saudi Arabia says it intercepted two drones Early on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) morning, Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted and destroyed two drones in the previous hours.A Gulf ally of the United States, the country has been targeted by Iran repeatedly. This week, more than two dozen American service members were injured from missile and drone attacks on a Saudi air base. AP

Early on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) morning, Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted and destroyed two drones in the previous hours.

A Gulf ally of the United States, the country has been targeted by Iran repeatedly. This week, more than two dozen American service members were injured from missile and drone attacks on a Saudi air base.

• April 01, 2026 10:36 Israel carries out 'wide-scale' wave of strikes on TehranThe Israeli military said ‌on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) that it had “completed a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure sites of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran”, where Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported blasts in several areas.AFP

The Israeli military said ‌on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) that it had “completed a wide-scale wave of strikes targeting infrastructure sites of the Iranian terror regime in Tehran”, where Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported blasts in several areas.

• April 01, 2026 10:13 Israeli military says drone downed by surface-to-air missile in southern LebanonA ‌surface-to-air missile ⁠downed an Israeli ‌military ‌drone ‌during ⁠operational ⁠activity in ‌southern Lebanon overnight on ‌Tuesday, the ⁠Israel Defence ‌Forces said ‌on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).Reuters

A ‌surface-to-air missile ⁠downed an Israeli ‌military ‌drone ‌during ⁠operational ⁠activity in ‌southern Lebanon overnight on ‌Tuesday, the ⁠Israel Defence ‌Forces said ‌on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

• April 01, 2026 10:04 Australian PM Albanese to address nation over Iran crisisAustralia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will deliver a rare address to the nation on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) about the war in West Asia, with media reporting he will encourage Australians to conserve fuel.The address ⁠will be broadcast simultaneously across major television and radio networks at 7 p.m. (0800 GMT) - 1.30 p.m. IST.Similar addresses were made by ‌previous prime ministers during the COVID pandemic and the 2008 global financial crisis.Reuters

Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will deliver a rare address to the nation on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) about the war in West Asia, with media reporting he will encourage Australians to conserve fuel.

The address ⁠will be broadcast simultaneously across major television and radio networks at 7 p.m. (0800 GMT) - 1.30 p.m. IST.

Similar addresses were made by ‌previous prime ministers during the COVID pandemic and the 2008 global financial crisis.

• April 01, 2026 09:53 Oil, gas prices won't immediately return to normal even if Iran war ends, EU warnsSkyrocketing oil and gas prices in Europe as a result of the ongoing Iran war won’t return to normal levels any time soon, even if peace is declared tomorrow, the European Union’s energy commissioner warned on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said although there are no immediate oil and gas supply shortages in the 27-member bloc, there’s pressure on diesel and jet fuel supply as well as “increasing constraints” in global gas markets that are resulting in higher electricity prices.“What I find extremely important is to state as clearly as I can, that even if that peace is here tomorrow, still we will not go back to normal in a foreseeable future,” Mr. Jorgensen told a news conference after a meeting of EU energy ministers.Reuters

Skyrocketing oil and gas prices in Europe as a result of the ongoing Iran war won’t return to normal levels any time soon, even if peace is declared tomorrow, the European Union’s energy commissioner warned on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).

Commissioner Dan Jorgensen said although there are no immediate oil and gas supply shortages in the 27-member bloc, there’s pressure on diesel and jet fuel supply as well as “increasing constraints” in global gas markets that are resulting in higher electricity prices.

“What I find extremely important is to state as clearly as I can, that even if that peace is here tomorrow, still we will not go back to normal in a foreseeable future,” Mr. Jorgensen told a news conference after a meeting of EU energy ministers.

• April 01, 2026 09:27 Israel says missile launched from Yemen towards its territoryIsraeli military said ‌on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) that it ⁠had identified the launch ‌of a missile ‌from ‌Yemen towards ⁠Israel, ⁠adding that air defence systems ‌were operating to intercept the threat. Yemen’s Iran-aligned ‌Houthis joined the regional ⁠war in recent days, ‌launching missiles at Israel in support of ‌Tehran.Reuters

Israeli military said ‌on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) that it ⁠had identified the launch ‌of a missile ‌from ‌Yemen towards ⁠Israel, ⁠adding that air defence systems ‌were operating to intercept the threat. Yemen’s Iran-aligned ‌Houthis joined the regional ⁠war in recent days, ‌launching missiles at Israel in support of ‌Tehran.

• April 01, 2026 08:37 UAE bars Iranians from entering, transiting country amid hostilitiesThe UAE has barred Iranians from entering or transiting the country as the war rages, three major airlines said on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).The long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, as well as the lower-cost airline FlyDubai, made the announcements on their websites.Entry rules can sometimes be opaque in the autocratic United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms. But the airlines’ websites all displayed the order. It said holders of Golden Visas, 10-year residency permits in the country, could still enter.AP

The UAE has barred Iranians from entering or transiting the country as the war rages, three major airlines said on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

The long-haul carriers Emirates and Etihad, as well as the lower-cost airline FlyDubai, made the announcements on their websites.

Entry rules can sometimes be opaque in the autocratic United Arab Emirates, a federation of seven sheikhdoms. But the airlines’ websites all displayed the order. It said holders of Golden Visas, 10-year residency permits in the country, could still enter.

• April 01, 2026 08:27 Iran state TV reports strikes across TehranIran’s state broadcaster IRIB said areas in northern, eastern and central Tehran were under attack on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).The broadcaster said on Telegram that explosions were heard in the capital’s north, east and centre, reporting “attacks on Tehran” without immediately providing more details.AFP

Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB said areas in northern, eastern and central Tehran were under attack on Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

The broadcaster said on Telegram that explosions were heard in the capital’s north, east and centre, reporting “attacks on Tehran” without immediately providing more details.

• April 01, 2026 08:21 Jet fuel prices more than doubled to ₹2.07 lakh/kl, commercial LPG up ₹195.50 in IndiaThe price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), or jet fuel, was more than doubled to a record ₹2.07 lakh per kilolitre on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), while commercial LPG rates were raised by ₹195.50 per cylinder, mirroring the surge in global oil prices linked to the widening West Asia conflict.The ATF price in Delhi was hiked by ₹1,10,703.08 per kilolitre, or 114.5%, to ₹2,07,341.22 per kl, according to state-owned fuel retailers.This is the first time ever that ATF prices have crossed the ₹2 lakh per kl mark. The previous peak was in 2022 when rates were hiked by ₹1.1 lakh per kl after oil prices surged after Russia invaded Ukraine.Jet fuel prices more than doubled to ₹2.07 lakh/kl, commercial LPG up ₹195.50Jet fuel prices soar to ₹2.07 lakh/kl, marking a record high; commercial LPG rates also increase amid global oil surge.

The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF), or jet fuel, was more than doubled to a record ₹2.07 lakh per kilolitre on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), while commercial LPG rates were raised by ₹195.50 per cylinder, mirroring the surge in global oil prices linked to the widening West Asia conflict.

The ATF price in Delhi was hiked by ₹1,10,703.08 per kilolitre, or 114.5%, to ₹2,07,341.22 per kl, according to state-owned fuel retailers.

This is the first time ever that ATF prices have crossed the ₹2 lakh per kl mark. The previous peak was in 2022 when rates were hiked by ₹1.1 lakh per kl after oil prices surged after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Jet fuel prices more than doubled to ₹2.07 lakh/kl, commercial LPG up ₹195.50

Jet fuel prices soar to ₹2.07 lakh/kl, marking a record high; commercial LPG rates also increase amid global oil surge.

• April 01, 2026 08:01 Israel strikes factory in Iran, alleges it supplied fentanyl for chemical weapons Israel said early Wednesday (April 1, 2026) it struck a plant supplying Iran’s theocracy with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, to allegedly use in a chemical weapons programme. Iran acknowledged the strike on Tofigh Daru factory, but insisted it only supplied “hospital drugs” used in medical operations.The strike happened on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), both Israel and Iran said.Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a picture of the factory in Tehran, writing on X: “The war criminals in Israel are now openly and unashamedly bombing pharmaceutical companies.” Hospitals extensively use fentanyl to treat severe pain. But a small amount of the drug can be fatal.

Israel said early Wednesday (April 1, 2026) it struck a plant supplying Iran’s theocracy with fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, to allegedly use in a chemical weapons programme.

Iran acknowledged the strike on Tofigh Daru factory, but insisted it only supplied “hospital drugs” used in medical operations.

The strike happened on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), both Israel and Iran said.

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a picture of the factory in Tehran, writing on X: “The war criminals in Israel are now openly and unashamedly bombing pharmaceutical companies.” Hospitals extensively use fentanyl to treat severe pain. But a small amount of the drug can be fatal.

• April 01, 2026 07:49 'Large fire' reported at Kuwait airport after Iranian drones target fuel tanksAn Iranian drone ‌attack targeted fuel tanks at ⁠Kuwait’s international airport, sparking ‌a large fire but ‌causing ‌no ⁠casualties, ⁠Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA said on ‌Wednesday (April 1, 2026).Emergency teams rushed to the ‌site, but initial reports showed only ⁠material damage at the ‌facility run by the Kuwait Aviation Fueling Company, ‌the agency added, citing a spokesperson ⁠for civil aviation ⁠authorities.Reuters

An Iranian drone ‌attack targeted fuel tanks at ⁠Kuwait’s international airport, sparking ‌a large fire but ‌causing ‌no ⁠casualties, ⁠Kuwaiti state news agency KUNA said on ‌Wednesday (April 1, 2026).

Emergency teams rushed to the ‌site, but initial reports showed only ⁠material damage at the ‌facility run by the Kuwait Aviation Fueling Company, ‌the agency added, citing a spokesperson ⁠for civil aviation ⁠authorities.

• April 01, 2026 07:39 UAE prepares to help U.S., allies open Strait of Hormuz by force: reportThe United ‌Arab Emirates is preparing ⁠to help the ‌United States ‌and ‌other ⁠allies ⁠open the key Strait of Hormuz ‌waterway by force, the ‌Wall Street Journal said on ⁠Tuesday (March 31, 2026), citing Arab ‌officials.Reuters

The United ‌Arab Emirates is preparing ⁠to help the ‌United States ‌and ‌other ⁠allies ⁠open the key Strait of Hormuz ‌waterway by force, the ‌Wall Street Journal said on ⁠Tuesday (March 31, 2026), citing Arab ‌officials.

• April 01, 2026 07:38 U.S. can see 'finish line' on Iran war: RubioU.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that Washington could see the “finish line” in ⁠the Iran war, which is now in its fifth week.“We ‌can see the finish line. It’s not today, it’s not tomorrow, but it is coming,” he told Fox ‌News Channel’s “Hannity” show.Reuters

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that Washington could see the “finish line” in ⁠the Iran war, which is now in its fifth week.

“We ‌can see the finish line. It’s not today, it’s not tomorrow, but it is coming,” he told Fox ‌News Channel’s “Hannity” show.

• April 01, 2026 07:20 Deadly strikes hit Beirut Three explosions rocked Beirut’s southern suburbs early Wednesday (April 1, 2026), AFP journalists reported, as a series of Israeli strikes in the south of the Lebanese capital and a nearby area killed seven people and wounded dozens, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.The Israeli army said it struck a “senior Hezbollah commander” and another “senior” member of the Iran-backed group in Beirut.AFP

Three explosions rocked Beirut’s southern suburbs early Wednesday (April 1, 2026), AFP journalists reported, as a series of Israeli strikes in the south of the Lebanese capital and a nearby area killed seven people and wounded dozens, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

The Israeli army said it struck a “senior Hezbollah commander” and another “senior” member of the Iran-backed group in Beirut.

• April 01, 2026 07:18 Rubio says U.S. will 'have to re-examine' NATO relationship after Iran war endsSecretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the United States “is going to have to reexamine” its relationship with NATO once the war against Iran has concluded.“I think there’s no doubt, unfortunately, after this conflict is concluded, we are going to have to reexamine that relationship. We’re going to have to reexamine the value of NATO in that alliance for our country,” Mr. Rubio said on Fox News, adding that “ultimately” it would be a decision for President Donald Trump to make.AFP

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said that the United States “is going to have to reexamine” its relationship with NATO once the war against Iran has concluded.

“I think there’s no doubt, unfortunately, after this conflict is concluded, we are going to have to reexamine that relationship. We’re going to have to reexamine the value of NATO in that alliance for our country,” Mr. Rubio said on Fox News, adding that “ultimately” it would be a decision for President Donald Trump to make.

• April 01, 2026 06:57 Mojtaba Khamenei is in Iran but avoiding public appearances, Russian envoy saysIran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in ‌the country but is ⁠refraining from making public appearances “for understandable reasons”, ‌the RTVI news outlet quoted ‌Russia’s Ambassador ‌to ⁠the country ⁠as saying on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).Reuters

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in ‌the country but is ⁠refraining from making public appearances “for understandable reasons”, ‌the RTVI news outlet quoted ‌Russia’s Ambassador ‌to ⁠the country ⁠as saying on Tuesday (March 31, 2026).

• April 01, 2026 06:54 Asian stocks jump after Wall Street soars on renewed hopes of Iran war endAsian shares were sharply higher on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) after U.S. stocks soared to their best day since last spring on renewed hopes that the Iran war could soon end.South Korea’s Kospi surged 5.2% to 5,312.45 in early trading, while Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 3.5% to 52,840.67.Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 1.9% to 8,641.30.The renewed optimism came after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States will be done attacking Iran probably in two to three weeks, and that the U.S. “will not have anything to do with” what happens next in the Strait of Hormuz.AP

Asian shares were sharply higher on Wednesday (April 1, 2026) after U.S. stocks soared to their best day since last spring on renewed hopes that the Iran war could soon end.

South Korea’s Kospi surged 5.2% to 5,312.45 in early trading, while Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 rose 3.5% to 52,840.67.

Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 was up 1.9% to 8,641.30.

The renewed optimism came after U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States will be done attacking Iran probably in two to three weeks, and that the U.S. “will not have anything to do with” what happens next in the Strait of Hormuz.

• April 01, 2026 06:51 Tanker hit by projectile off Qatar, crew safe, UKMTO saysA tanker ‌was hit by an ⁠unknown projectile about 17 ‌nautical miles ‌north ‌of ⁠Qatar’s Doha, causing ⁠damage to the hull ‌above the waterline, the United Kingdom ‌Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on ⁠Wednesday (April 1, 2026), adding that the ‌vessel’s crew were safe.There is ‌no environmental impact, UKMTO added. Reuters

A tanker ‌was hit by an ⁠unknown projectile about 17 ‌nautical miles ‌north ‌of ⁠Qatar’s Doha, causing ⁠damage to the hull ‌above the waterline, the United Kingdom ‌Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on ⁠Wednesday (April 1, 2026), adding that the ‌vessel’s crew were safe.

There is ‌no environmental impact, UKMTO added.

• April 01, 2026 06:50 Systematically crushing Iran, forging alliances with important countries in West Asia: NetanyahuLauding “enormous accomplishments” in the war against Iran, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday (March 31, 2206) evening that the joint Israel-U.S. campaign was “systematically crushing” the Islamic regime while removing existential threats to the Jewish state.Addressing the nation in Hebrew ahead of the Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover), Mr. Netanyahu stressed that “sooner or later” the Iranian regime will fall, while Israel creates “new alliances with important countries in the region” against the shared threat emanating from Tehran.Read full report

Lauding “enormous accomplishments” in the war against Iran, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday (March 31, 2206) evening that the joint Israel-U.S. campaign was “systematically crushing” the Islamic regime while removing existential threats to the Jewish state.

Addressing the nation in Hebrew ahead of the Jewish festival of Pesach (Passover), Mr. Netanyahu stressed that “sooner or later” the Iranian regime will fall, while Israel creates “new alliances with important countries in the region” against the shared threat emanating from Tehran.

• April 01, 2026 06:49 Iran Guards say will target U.S. tech firms, starting April 1, if more leaders killedIran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that they would target leading U.S. technology firms like Apple, Google and Meta if more Iranian leaders were killed in “targeted assassinations”.“These companies, starting from 8:00 pm (1630 GMT) Tehran time on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), should expect the destruction of their relevant units in exchange for every assassination in Iran,” the Guards said in a statement listing the names of 18 companies it alleged were complicit in the killing of officials.Iran Guards say will target U.S. tech firms if more leaders killedIran's Revolutionary Guards threaten retaliation against U.S. tech firms like Apple and Google for targeted assassinations of Iranian leaders.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that they would target leading U.S. technology firms like Apple, Google and Meta if more Iranian leaders were killed in “targeted assassinations”.

“These companies, starting from 8:00 pm (1630 GMT) Tehran time on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), should expect the destruction of their relevant units in exchange for every assassination in Iran,” the Guards said in a statement listing the names of 18 companies it alleged were complicit in the killing of officials.

Iran Guards say will target U.S. tech firms if more leaders killed

Iran's Revolutionary Guards threaten retaliation against U.S. tech firms like Apple and Google for targeted assassinations of Iranian leaders.

• April 01, 2026 06:49 White House says Trump to give address on Iran on April 2 (India time)U.S. President Donald Trump will deliver a national address at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night (0100 GMT Thursday) related to the war against Iran, the White House said.“TUNE IN: Tomorrow night at 9PM ET, President Trump will give an Address to the Nation to provide an important update on Iran,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote Tuesday (March 31, 2026) evening on X.AFP

U.S. President Donald Trump will deliver a national address at 9:00 p.m. Wednesday night (0100 GMT Thursday) related to the war against Iran, the White House said.

“TUNE IN: Tomorrow night at 9PM ET, President Trump will give an Address to the Nation to provide an important update on Iran,” Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote Tuesday (March 31, 2026) evening on X.

• April 01, 2026 06:47 Trump says Iran war could end in 'two weeks, maybe three'U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that the war with Iran may be over in two or three weeks and it will be up to other countries to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz oil shipping channel. He also lashed out at allies who have been unwilling to do more to support the U.S. war effort, telling them to “go get your own oil” and declaring that securing the Strait of Hormuz is “not for us.”AFP

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (March 31, 2026) that the war with Iran may be over in two or three weeks and it will be up to other countries to secure the vital Strait of Hormuz oil shipping channel.

He also lashed out at allies who have been unwilling to do more to support the U.S. war effort, telling them to “go get your own oil” and declaring that securing the Strait of Hormuz is “not for us.”

Published - April 01, 2026 06:41 am IST

U.S. is considering exiting ‘paper tiger NATO’, says Trump

Jet fuel prices more than doubled to ₹2.07 lakh/kl, commercial LPG up ₹195.50

Iran Guards say will target U.S. tech firms if more leaders killed

Related Topics