Iran vs US-Israel War News Live Updates: India warns of growth risks from West Asia conflict as energy costs rise, says report
Kartavya Desk Staff
Iran vs US-Israel War News Live Updates: India faces downside risks to its 7.0–7.4% growth forecast for the next fiscal year starting April 1, as higher energy costs and supply disruptions from the West Asia conflict weigh on the outlook, news agency Reuters reported on Saturday, citing government data.
For the first time since war began, Iran-backed Yemini Houthis confirmed they launched an attack on Israel. A ballistic missile was launched toward southern Israel on Saturday morning, setting off sirens in Beersheba and nearby areas, according to The Times of Israel. In a statement, the Houthis claimed responsibility, saying they had targeted “sensitive Israeli military sites” with a barrage of ballistic missiles.
US President Donald Trump said he was “very disappointed” with NATO’s response to the Iran war, as tensions in the Middle East intensified and global concerns mounted over energy security and regional stability, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, tech billionaire Elon Musk reportedly joined a call between Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the crisis, an unusual move during a wartime situation.
• Rubio says no need for ground troops: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington could achieve its objectives without deploying forces on the ground. “We can achieve our war goals without any ground troops,” Rubio said, adding that the conflict could end in “weeks, not months”.
• Witkoff signals possible talks with Iran: President Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said the US was hopeful of holding talks with Iran soon. “We are hopeful of having meetings with Iran this week,” Witkoff said, adding that Washington “expects” a response to a proposed 15-point deal.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, steel factories, and power plants, stating that these attacks contradict Donald Trump’s 10-day pause on targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. Trump had announced the pause, claiming talks were “going very well,” but Iran denies seeking any pause and rules out negotiations. However, Araghchi warned that Tehran would impose a “heavy price” after Israeli strikes targeted what he described as civilian nuclear sites, steel factories and infrastructure.
5 key developments
• Ten US service members were injured in an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia, according to US media reports.
• Israel said it struck the Arak heavy water facility in central Iran.
• Iran claimed attacks also hit major steel factories and a power plant.
• Gulf countries, including the UAE, reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones.
• Lebanon’s health ministry said more than 1,100 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since early March.
Also Read:
• Iranian Leaders Killed: The Complete List
• What is Operation Epic Fury? Full Explainer
• Israel-Iran War: Full Timeline
The Indian Express Global Desk remains committed to rigorous verification. Follow our live blog below for real-time tracking of Operation Epic Fury, regional airspace status, and diplomatic efforts to contain the escalation.**
Emirates Global Aluminium says its Al Taweelah site sustained significant damage during Iranian missile and drone attacks on Abu Dhabi. (Reuters)
Italian state finances can absorb the negative impact of the crisis in the West Asia, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said on Saturday, as the government prepares to update budget targets and growth estimates for 2026 and the following years.
Giorgetti said he was still hoping for a downward revision of last year's deficit to 3% of national output from 3.1% by the national statistics office ISTAT, a move that would allow Italy to exit the EU's excessive deficit procedure this year, ahead of time.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government expects Italy's economy to grow by 0.5% or 0.6% this year and 0.7% in 2027 under an unchanged policy scenario, a source familiar with the matter said. (Reuters)
The Israeli military killed three Palestinian men in Gaza on Saturday in two separate air strikes, local health officials and medics said, the latest round of deadly violence despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that is now more than five months old.
Palestinian health officials said one man was killed in an air strike on a car in the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza, while medics said two adult brothers were killed in Shujiaya, a neighbourhood east of Gaza City.
The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the two air strikes.
The military has killed more than 680 Palestinians in Gaza since a ceasefire with Hamas came into effect in November, local health officials say. More than 72,000 have been killed since the war started in October 2023. (Reuters)
India faces downside risks to its growth forecast of 7.0% to 7.4% for the next fiscal year starting April 1, due to higher energy costs and supply disruptions stemming from the West Asia conflict, according to its monthly economic report released on Saturday.
The conflict, which began a month ago after the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, has disrupted a key shipping route through which 20% of the world's oil passes, pushing up energy and freight costs and straining supply chains.
This is raising concerns over inflation and growth in India, the government review said. (Reuters)
Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said on Saturday the government would slow down large state projects involving high fuel and diesel consumption for two months to rationalizes consumption.
The move is part of broader measures to cope with the economic fallout from the Iran war, which has driven up energy costs and strained public finances.
Egypt's debt servicing costs are set to rise by 5% in the next fiscal year, finance minister Ahmed Kouchouk said. (Reuters)
The situation at Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant continues to deteriorate and attacks pose a direct threat to nuclear safety, the head of Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom said on Saturday after another strike near the facility.
The UN's nuclear watchdog International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said on Friday that Iran had informed it of another strike in the vicinity of Bushehr, the third such incident in 10 days, with no damage to the operating reactor and no release of radiation reported. (Reuters)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with his Saudi Arabian counterpart, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
"I reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure. We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure. Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia," PM Modi said.
Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia. I reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure. We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keeping…— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 28, 2026
Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia. I reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure. We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keeping…
Ukraine’s foreign ministry denies Iran's statement that it destroyed a Ukrainian air-defence depot in Dubai. (Reuters)
Kuwait International Airport was targeted by multiple drone attacks that caused significant damage to its radar system but resulted in no casualties, state news agency KUNA said on Saturday, citing the country's Civil Aviation Authority.
The authority's spokesperson later said the attacks were carried out by Iran, its proxies, and the armed factions it supports. (Reuters)
A drone fell in Iraq's Majnoon Oil Field without exploding, with no material damage or human injuries reported, the country's defence ministry said. (Reuters)
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that Tehran will retaliate “strongly” if its infrastructure and economic centres are targeted.
Seemingly directing his remarks at Gulf countries allowing their territory to be used as launchpads for US offensives, he said: “Countries of the region, if you want development and security, don’t let our enemies run the war from your lands.”
This comes a week after US President Donald Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iranian power plants.
The warning also comes amid reports of Kharg Island potentially being targeted by US plans. The island, located barely 25 kilometres off Iran’s coast, processes nearly 90 per cent of Tehran’s crude oil exports and serves as the jugular of the country’s cash-strapped economy.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has told Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that trust is needed to facilitate talks and mediation on the conflict in the Middle East, the prime minister's office said on Saturday.
It said Pezeshkian had praised Pakistan's diplomatic efforts and that the two leaders had discussed hostilities in the region and efforts to end the conflict during a call that lasted over an hour. Sharif briefed Pezeshkian on Pakistan's diplomatic contacts with the United States and Gulf states, it said. (Reuters)
For the first time since the war began, Yemen’s Houthis said they had carried out a missile attack on Israel.
The Iran-aligned group launched a ballistic missile toward southern Israel on Saturday morning, setting off sirens in Beersheba and nearby areas, according to The Times of Israel.
In a statement, the Houthis claimed responsibility, saying they had targeted “sensitive Israeli military sites” with a barrage of ballistic missiles.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that one missile fired from Yemen was successfully intercepted by its air defence systems.
US and Iraq said they have decided to intensify cooperation to prevent terrorist atacks and stop Iraqi territory from being used to target US-linked sites.
The two nations set up a High Joint Coordination Committee in joint efforts to defeat ISIS.
" Within the framework of the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States of America, and over many years of friendship and joint strategic cooperation in the political, economic, and security fields — culminating in joint efforts to defeat ISIS — it was decided to establish a High Joint Coordination Committee," US Embassy in Baghdad said on X.
"Yesterday, March 26, 2026, at the first meeting of the High Joint Coordination Committee, the Iraqi and U.S. sides decided to intensify cooperation to prevent terrorist attacks and ensure that Iraqi territory is not used as a launching point for any aggression against the Iraqi people, the Iraqi Security Forces, Iraqi strategic facilities and assets, as well as against U.S. personnel, diplomatic missions, and the Global Coalition."
Within the framework of the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States of America, and over many years of friendship and joint strategic cooperation in the political, economic, and security fields — culminating in joint efforts to defeat ISIS — it was decided to… pic.twitter.com/fZDfQEpkPG— U.S. Embassy Baghdad (@USEmbBaghdad) March 27, 2026
Within the framework of the strategic partnership between Iraq and the United States of America, and over many years of friendship and joint strategic cooperation in the political, economic, and security fields — culminating in joint efforts to defeat ISIS — it was decided to… pic.twitter.com/fZDfQEpkPG
Pakistan will host talks next week with Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey on the war in the Middle East, a senior foreign ministry official told AFP on Saturday.
“We will host a quadrilateral meeting on Monday,” the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that the exact representation was not yet confirmed. They said delegations were expected to arrive in Pakistan by Sunday night.
Pakistan has emerged as a key facilitator between Iran and the US. Islamabad has longstanding links with Tehran and close contacts in the Gulf, while the prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Amin Munir have struck up a personal rapport with US President Donald Trump.
-The Guardian
Iran takes a dig at US President Donald Trump's "Strait of Trump" remark, saying it is next to "Epstein Island".
"Strait of #trump"!!!, infact, it is next to #epstein Island.#iranwar pic.twitter.com/9L4Nszrwfl— Iran Consulate - Hyderabad (@IraninHyderabad) March 28, 2026
"Strait of #trump"!!!, infact, it is next to #epstein Island.#iranwar pic.twitter.com/9L4Nszrwfl
Trump on Friday made a tongue-in-cheek remark about the Strait of Hormuz , referring to it as the “Strait of Trump”. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative event in Miami, Trump joked that Iran needed to “open up the Strait of Trump – I mean, Hormuz”, prompting laughter from the audience.
Yemen's Houthi's confirmed that they launched missile on Israel, Reuters reported.
Due to the war, there is a scarcity of food gas, fuel, etc in many countries. All countries are trying to overcome this. India is also fighting this crisis, said PM Modi.
The Iraqi pro-militia news outlet Sabereen reported attacks by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed groups, on several air bases and an airport in Jordan, AlJazeera reported.
The report said the targets included the King Faisal Air Base, King Abdullah Air Base, Queen Alia Airport, Prince Hassan Air Base and Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, without elaborating on the results.
A worker was injured in a drone attack on Oman's Salalah port while a crane suffered limited damage, Oman's government said on Saturday.
Oman had served as a mediator between the United States and Iran before the current war.
This was reported by the Kuwaiti news agency KUNA citied by Aljazeera.
The report said the price of a barrel of Kuwaiti oil rose by $8.10 to reach $118.93.
Oil prices have been rising since the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has been brought to a near halt by attacks – or the threat of attacks – from Iran.
About a fifth of global energy exports passes through the waterway, making it a vital chokepoint for the world’s gas and oil supplies.
Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency says security forces have arrested two people accused of plotting an armed attack in northern Golestan province.
Officials said intelligence units identified what they described as a cell linked to the United States and Israel following public reports and surveillance.
According to the report, the suspects were detained before carrying out an operation targeting security forces.
Authorities said a raid on a hideout in the city of Gorgan uncovered four Colt rifles and 43 rounds of ammunition.
Israel stopped a missile fired from Yemen on Saturday, the first time it had faced fire from that country since the war in the Middle East erupted last month. Concerns rose about the Iran-backed Houthis' possible entry into the fighting.The group's previous attacks on vessels during the Israel-Hamas war upended shipping in the Red Sea.Before the attack from Yemen, there appeared to be a breakthrough as Tehran agreed to allow humanitarian aid and agricultural shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Bahrain’s interior ministry has issued a public alert, urging people to move to safety.
“The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” the ministry said in a post on X.
The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place .— Ministry of Interior (@moi_bahrain) March 28, 2026
The siren has been sounded. Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place .
Israel said it was attacking Tehran and defending against missiles fired from Iran on Saturday, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US expected to conclude military operations within weeks, not months.
An Iranian attack on an air base in Saudi Arabia wounded 12 US military personnel, two seriously, a US official told Reuters on Friday, as drones and missiles continued to strike around the Gulf.
A month after the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, the war has spread across the Middle East, killing thousands and causing the biggest disruption ever to energy supplies, hitting the global economy and fuelling inflation fears.
The Houthis are a military, political and religious movement led by the Houthi family and based in northern Yemen. They adhere to the Zaydi sect of Shi'ite Islam.
The Houthis have a history of fighting guerrilla wars with the Yemeni army but expanded their power and built closer ties with Iran after the 2011 "Arab Spring" protests.
Seizing on instability in the country, the group captured the Yemeni capital Sanaa in 2014.
The following year, Saudi Arabia led a coalition of Arab states in a military intervention to attempt to dislodge the group.
The Houthis demonstrated significant missile and drone capabilities, attacking oil installations and vital infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) says it has identified a missile launched from Yemen, in what Reuters and Agence France-Presse report is the first fired from Yemen since the war began.
"The IDF has identified the launch of a missile from Yemen toward Israeli territory, aerial defense systems are operating to intercept the threat," the Israeli military wrote on Telegram. Less than 15 minutes later, the IDF announced it was safe for people to leave protective spaces across the country.
It comes after a spokesperson for Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis said they would enter the war in the Middle East if attacks continue in Iran.
In a statement on Telegram, Yahya Saree, the spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces – the Houthi faction of Yemen's military – says "our fingers are on the trigger for direct military intervention" in the following cases:
• Any other nations join with the US and Israel against Iran
• The Red Sea is used "to carry out hostile operations by America and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran and against any Muslim country"
• The "continuation of the escalation" against Iran
The statement says this is in response to the "continued aggression by the American and Israeli enemy against the Islamic Republic of Iran, Palestine and Gaza, Iraq and Lebanon".
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced that Thailand has secured an agreement with Iran, allowing Thai oil vessels to safely transit the Strait of Hormuz. This development is expected to alleviate concerns over fuel imports, providing relief to Thailand's energy sector.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned Israel's strikes on two major steel plants, a power plant, and civilian nuclear sites, stating that Iran will exact a "heavy price" for these actions. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the US, contradicting President Trump's extended deadline for diplomacy.
Israel has hit 2 of Iran's largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the U.S.Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy.Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 27, 2026
Israel has hit 2 of Iran's largest steel factories, a power plant and civilian nuclear sites among other infrastructure. Israel claims it acted in coordination with the U.S.Attack contradicts POTUS extended deadline for diplomacy.Iran will exact HEAVY price for Israeli crimes
Hackers claiming affiliation with Iran, known as the Handala Hack Team, have leaked dozens of emails and photos allegedly taken from a personal inbox belonging to FBI chief Kash Patel. The authenticity of the leaked data has not been confirmed.
FBI spokesman Ben Williamson has now confirmed Patel’s email was hacked, saying: “we have taken all necessary steps to mitigate potential risks associated with this activity”.
The data involved was “historical in nature and involves no government information”, Williamson said.
Handala, who describe themselves as pro-Palestinian vigilantes, has also claimed to have published the personal data of dozens of Middle East-based employees from the Lockheed Martin weapons company.
US President Donald Trump expressed disappointment with NATO's response to the war on Iran, calling the alliance a "paper tiger" and stating that the US has always helped NATO but received little support in return.
*Key Developments:*
• Iran-Israel Conflict: Israel attacked two civilian nuclear sites and steel factories in Iran, prompting warnings from Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi of a "heavy price" and Iran's military of "playing with fire".
• US Involvement: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US can achieve its war goals without ground troops, with the end of the war expected in "weeks, not months".
• Regional Diplomacy: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will meet with Egyptian, Saudi, and Pakistani counterparts to discuss the US-Israel war on Iran.
• Casualties: Lebanon's Ministry of Health reports 1,142 people killed and 3,315 injured in Israeli attacks since March 2.
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram