Trump allows sanctioned Russian oil tanker to enter Cuba despite US blockade The vessel is sanctioned by the United States, the European Union and the UK following the war in Ukraine The Independent UK · Mar 30
Starmer to meet business leaders as Trump considers invading Iranian island Bosses from energy firms including BP and Shell and representatives from shipping and banking firms will meet Sir Keir Starmer. Evening Standard · Mar 30
War disrupts life on the Iraq‑Iran border, isolating families and halting trade War and heavy Iranian security along the Iran-Iraq Kurdish border are cutting families off and crushing daily life, according to people reached by The Associated Press The Independent UK · Mar 30
Israeli parliament passes budget, allowing Netanyahu to avoid early elections Israel’s parliament has passed the budget in a marathon overnight session, likely ensuring that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government will complete its term until the fall The Independent UK · Mar 30
Trump mulls seizing Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal even as talks show progress U.S. President Donald Trump openly mused about seizing Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal in the Persian Gulf and the United States and Israel kept up their attacks on the Islamic Republic, even as there were signs of progress in nascent ceasefire talks The Independent UK · Mar 30
Is Russia On The Verge Of A Coup? Putin Allegedly Pressured By War Supporters In Worsening Fuel Crisis Speculation about a coup in Russia has grown amid fuel disruptions and criticism of Vladimir Putin, but officials say there is no evidence of an imminent power shift. International Business Times UK · Mar 30
Pakistan a base for major terror groups, some active since 1980s: US Congress report A US Congressional report highlights Pakistan as a base for numerous armed and terrorist organizations, some active since the 1980s. Despite military operations, many designated groups continue to operate from its soil, reinforcing concerns about Pakistan's links to terrorism. This has led to recent escalations and subsequent de-escalation efforts between… The Times of India · Mar 30
Saudi, Kuwait, Bahrain 'fighting back': Trump claims Gulf nations '100% on US side' against Iran President Trump declared Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain are fully aligned with the US against Iran, stating they are "100% on our side." He noted these Gulf nations were surprised by Iran's missile and drone attacks but are now fighting back effectively. The ongoing conflict, now in its… The Times of India · Mar 30
Iran issues US troops will be 'set on fire' warning; Pakistan to host talks to end war: 10 things to know Pakistan is preparing to host negotiation talks between the United States, Iran and Israel after a month of war marked by military escalation, diplomatic backchannels and competing claims of progress toward a ceasefire. Islamabad has emerged as a potential mediator, even as Iran hardened its rhetoric against possible US ground… The Times of India · Mar 30
Ukraine war briefing: German defence giant sparks row after comparing Ukraine drone makers to ‘housewives’ Rheinmetall CEO’s dismissive comments draw pointed reaction from Ukrainian prime minister and adviser to Volodymyr Zelenskyy. What we know on day 1,496 The Guardian - AU · Mar 30
Mojtaba Khamenei lauds Iraq's support in new message, remains out of public eye Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in an airstrike at the start of the war on February 28, has yet to make a public appearance since assuming the role. So far, he has communicated only through a limited number of written statements. His… The Times of India · Mar 29
$270M US Spy Plane Destroyed in Iranian Attack on Saudi Air Base Discover the impact of a major Iranian strike that destroyed a $270M US E-3 Sentry spy plane at a Saudi air base, marking a significant loss in American airpower amid escalating Middle East tensions. International Business Times UK · Mar 29
Iran Claims US is Secretly Planning a Ground Invasion and Vows to 'Set Troops Ablaze' Iran's parliament speaker accuses the US of secretly planning a ground invasion while pursuing peace talks, vowing Iranian forces are ready to confront any American troops. International Business Times UK · Mar 29
US Campuses in Crosshairs as Iran Threatens Retaliatory Strike While American AWACS Jet Is Reportedly Destroyed As tensions rise between the US and Iran, Iranian officials warn of potential retaliation on American soil, raising security concerns. International Business Times UK · Mar 29
The Guardian - UK · Mar 29 What the Houthis’ entry into the Iran war means for the conflict and the wider region Fresh attacks on Red Sea shipping would be devastating – but the Iranian proxy has reasons to be cautious
The Independent UK · Mar 29 Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of shelling outskirts of eastern city, killing and wounding civilians Afghanistan’s government has accused Pakistan’s military of shelling the outskirts of an eastern Afghan city
The Times of India · Mar 29 Kharg of the US brigade: Pentagon lines up troops to capture Iranian island that accounts for 90 per cent of its oil exports The TOI correspondent from Washington: What began as a “little excursion” into Iran – as described by President Trump –- is now edging toward a full-scale invasion of the country, with U.S officials signaling the start of a broader military campaign, including the potential seizure of Kharg Island—Tehran’s most critical…
Fortune · Mar 29 Russia was expecting a windfall from soaring oil prices, but relentless Ukrainian drone attacks are devastating nearly half its export capacity Ukraine launched a series of drone attacks on Russia’s top export hubs, including Novorossiysk on the Black Sea as well as Primorsk and Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea.
The Guardian - UK · Mar 29 Iran accuses US of plotting ground assault while publicly seeking talks Tehran says it will confront any land attack, as Trump says regime’s export hub on Kharg island could be taken ‘very easily’
Radio France Internationale · Mar 29 The maritime passages with a chokehold on the global economy The war in the Middle East has put the Strait of Hormuz in the spotlight. It is one of the world's maritime "choke points" – narrow passages on which global trade depends, putting them at the centre of geopolitical tensions.
Latin Times · Mar 29 Top Iranian Official Says Tehran Will Seek To Control The Strait Of Hormuz As a Result Of The War: 'No Longer Be As In The Past' Iranian Vice Preisdent Mohamed Reza Aref said Theran will seek to control the Strait of Hormuz as a result of the ongoing war.
The Independent UK · Mar 29 Independent Arabia writer Nabil Fahmy appointed as new Arab League chief Arab foreign ministers have picked veteran Egyptian diplomat Nabil Fahmy to lead the Arab League for the next five years
Latin Times · Mar 29 Iran Launches 'Sacrificing Life' Campaign To Recruit Volunteers To Counter Potential U.S. Ground Operation Iran launched what it described a "Janfada," or "Sacrificing Life" campaign to recruit volunteers to fight a potential ground operation by U.S. forces.
The Guardian - UK · Mar 29 Pope seems to rebuke Hegseth in remarks about leaders with ‘hands full of blood’ Pontiff’s unusually pointed comments come after US defence secretary’s prayer for violence against enemies ‘who deserve no mercy’
The Times of India · Mar 29 A shadow war? The Shia-Sunni equation behind Iran's Gulf attacks For decades, West Asia had learned to live with tension. Proxy battles, covert strikes, deniable operations and quiet escalations had defined the region’s uneasy equilibrium. But what unfolded in recent weeks broke that pattern. Iran did not just respond to the joint strikes by the United States and Israel, it…