IEA Chief Fatih Birol has warned that the global economy faces an unprecedented energy shock, with over 40 energy assets across the Middle East severely damaged by ongoing conflict, surpassing the severity of 1970s oil crises. Combined with closures in the Strait of Hormuz, this crisis poses a "major threat" to global supply stability, withno country immune. 


IEA Chief: World Facing Unprecedented Energy Shock; At Least 40 Energy Assets 'Severely' Damaged

The Israeli military said it launched a wave of strikes on Lebanon's capital Beirut targeting Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah early Saturday, after calling on residents of several areas to evacuate.

Lebanon was pulled into the Middle East war when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on March 2 to avenge the killing of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Hezbollah Targets Israeli Troops in Six Villages in Southern Lebanon 

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it struck a U.S. F‑35 fighter jet over Iranian airspace, forcing the aircraft to make an emergency landing at a U.S. base in the Middle East. The incident -a potential first in the current conflict - is under investigation as tensions continue to escalate.


Iran War: American Air Power Faces New Threat; 16 US Aircraft Have Been Lost

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is set to visit Lebanon as tensions escalate in the region. The visit comes shortly after the European Union called on Israel to halt its military strikes on Lebanese territory.

According to France’s foreign ministry, the trip underscores Paris’ support and solidarity with the Lebanese people, who it says are being drawn into a conflict they did not choose.

The development highlights growing international concern over the escalating situation and increasing pressure for de-escalation in the Middle East.

France FM to Visit Lebanon After EU Urges Israel to Halt Strikes 

Rockets and at least five drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early on Tuesday, Iraqi security sources said, describing it as the most intense assault since the war began. 

It came as residents of Dubai and Doha, Qatar, awoke to the sound of explosions as air defences worked to intercept new waves of incoming Iranian fire, as the conflict in the Middle East showed no signs of abating.


Iran War: US Embassy in Baghdad Attacked, Explosions Rock Dubai and Doha

Israeli media reports claim the IDF targeted Iran’s top security official Ali Larijani in fresh strikes. His condition remains unclear as tensions escalate rapidly in the Middle East. No official confirmation from Iran yet, raising fears of a major geopolitical escalation and possible retaliation.


Iran War: Israel Claims Iran's Top Security Chief Larijani Killed; Iran Yet To Confirm

South Africa's fruit exporters are facing mounting losses and disruption as the US-Israel war on Iran enters its fourth week, threatening a $1.3 billion market in the Middle East.


Iran War: Fruit Exporters Face Mounting Losses & Disruption

Pakistan is experiencing a severe fuel crisis in March 2026, driven by Middle East conflict disrupting oil supplies, resulting in over 20% price hikes. Petrol prices exceeded PKR 320/litre, causing panic buying and shortages as the nation imports over 80% of its energy. The government has introduced austerity measures, including salary cuts and reduced official travel. 


Fuel Crisis: State of Pakistan's Economy Decoded

Iran struck and damaged five US Air Force refuelling planes on the ground at Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, The Wall Street Journal reported, in what would mark a major escalation in the Middle East conflict involving the United States-Israel and the Islamic Republic.


US-Iran War | Reports: Iranian Strikes Damage Five US Planes in Saudi Arabia

Gulf sovereign wealth funds, built over decades from oil riches, may now face their biggest test yet. As tensions rise in West Asia and energy infrastructure faces disruption risks, governments across the gulf could increasingly rely on these massive investment pools, originally designed as financial buffers for difficult times.


Gulf Wealth Funds Face First Real Stress Test

The United States plans to significantly increase weapons production as the conflict involving Iran intensifies. US President Donald Trump said American defence companies will quadruple weapons manufacturing to meet rising military demands.

According to Trump, the expansion of US weapons production is already underway, with new plants for advanced weapon systems being built and existing facilities scaling up output. The move is aimed at ensuring a steady supply of munitions and military hardware during ongoing operations.

The announcement comes as Washington seeks to maintain military readiness and replenish stockpiles while the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate.

US-Iran War: Trump Says Defence Firms to Ramp Up Production 'Exquisite Class Weapons'

Israel's military said it launched a "broad wave" of strikes on Iran's capital of Tehran targeting regime infrastructure, with additional strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs. Iran responded early Friday with retaliatory strikes on Israel.



US-Iran War: Israel Confirms Wave of Strikes on Government Targets in Tehran

On Day 4 of the escalating Iran war, Israel reportedly launched major airstrikes targeting a presidential bureau and key leadership facilities in Iran. The Israeli Air Force is said to have struck parts of Iran’s leadership complex in Tehran, marking a dramatic escalation. With regional tensions soaring, fears of retaliation and wider Middle East conflict continue to grow.


IDF Claims Attack on Iran's 'Command And Control' Systems

Iran-Israel War: Fresh Wave of Strikes Across Iran, Key Sites in Tehran Hit

The US Special Envoy has claimed that Iran could have enough enriched uranium to theoretically produce 11 nuclear bombs, raising alarms over Tehran’s nuclear program. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and ongoing nuclear negotiations. Experts warn this underscores global concerns about nuclear proliferation and Iran’s potential military capabilities, as international attention focuses on preventing escalation.

'Iran Could Have Produced 11 Nuclear Bombs': US Special Envoy Makes Shocking Claim 

Russia and China have harshly criticized recent U.S. and allied military strikes against Iran, calling them violations of international law and urging an immediate halt to hostilities. Both nations emphasized respect for Iran’s sovereignty, a ceasefire, and renewed diplomatic talks to prevent wider regional escalation amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.


Israel-Iran War: Russia Calls To Defuse West Asia Tensions

At least nine people have been killed and 27 injured in a missile strike on the Israeli city of Beit Shemesh, emergency services say. The attack comes as Iran launched strikes across the Middle East in response to a massive and ongoing attack against it by the US and Israel.


Iran Strikes Israel: Sirens Blare Across Israel as Iran Continues Counterstrikes

Israel has issued an evacuation order for Lebanon following warnings to Hezbollah leadership amid rising regional tensions. The advisory comes after a series of Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut and southern Lebanon, signaling preparation for potential escalations.

Officials urge civilians to relocate from high-risk areas as military analysts warn of a growing standoff along the Israel-Lebanon border. The move comes amid a wider conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, with recent missile strikes across the Gulf raising the stakes for Lebanon and the broader Middle East.

Israel-Iran War: Lebanon PM Orders Hezbollah To Disarm

A poll finds that just 27% of Americans approve of U.S. military strikes against Iran, while a larger share disapproves or remains uncertain amid escalating conflict in the Middle East. Public opinion is sharply divided, with many questioning continued military escalation and expressing greater concern for economic issues and potential U.S. casualties. Rallies and demonstrations in major U.S. cities reflect deep national division over foreign policy, as protesters both oppose and support the campaign.


Israel-Iran War: Iran Conflict Tests Domestic Support For Trump Administration

Tensions between the United States and Iran are mounting as U.S. warships and military assets amass in the Middle East amid stalled nuclear talks and growing security concerns. American aircraft carriers and destroyers are being repositioned near Iran’s strategic waters, raising alarm over possible conflict in West Asia. 


US-Iran Tensions: Pentagon Flexes Overwhelming Force 

Negotiators from Iran and the United States are due to hold a third round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva, Switzerland.
The discussions will take place amid a massive US military build-up in the Middle East, with a number of countries warning their citizens to leave Iran due to the threat of possible US attacks.

Iran-US To Meet in Geneva For an 'Off-Ramp' | Trump Warns of Strikes If Diplomacy Fails

Arab Gulf states, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are actively lobbying the US against attacking Iran, fearing catastrophic economic and security consequences. Gulf nations fear that a war would trigger devastating retaliation against local US bases and disrupt global oil supplies.

‘US vs Iran’: Why Arab states are terrified and how US strike on Iran could destabilise the Middle East

U.S. envoy Mike Huckabee is under scrutiny after making controversial remarks regarding Israel, prompting strong criticism from Arab nations.

Diplomatic sources report that multiple Middle Eastern countries condemned Huckabee’s statements, describing them as inflammatory and harmful to ongoing regional relations. The incident raises questions about U.S. diplomatic strategy in the Arab world and potential repercussions for ongoing peace efforts.

US Envoy Under Scrutiny: Arab Nations Slam Huckabee's 'Israel Remark' 

Tensions spike as U.S. warships close in on Iran following President Donald Trump’s 15-day ultimatum. Trump has warned Tehran that “really bad things” could happen if a new nuclear deal isn’t reached within the deadline.

The U.S. military buildup includes aircraft carriers, advanced fighter jets, and multiple warships, signaling maximum pressure on Iran. Tehran has responded with strategic warnings, military drills, and threats of retaliation, raising fears of a possible conflict in the Middle East.

U.S. Warships Close In On Iran: Trump's 15-Day Ultimatum

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