Iran attacked and set ablaze a fully loaded Kuwait-flagged oil tanker (Al-Salmi) off Dubai with a drone — the latest in a series of strikes on merchant vessels in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the coming days would be "decisive," warning Tehran the conflict would intensify if it refused a deal. Trump had threatened to obliterate Iran's energy plants. The month-old war has already sent crude to record monthly gains, with the Strait — a critical chokepoint for global oil — effectively blockaded. Read more →
Spain has closed its airspace to US military aircraft involved in operations against Iran, joining a growing list of European nations refusing to support the US-led campaign. Sources told Reuters that France similarly blocked its airspace from being used to transport US weapons. The moves expose a deepening rift between Washington and its NATO allies over the conflict, which began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28. Read more →
Pakistan has quietly emerged as a key intermediary between the US, Iran, and other regional powers — a role that surprised many analysts given its traditionally close ties to Washington and Sunni Arab allies. Its geographic position gives it unique access to both sides. The mediation effort comes as the conflict shows no sign of de-escalation and global energy markets remain in turmoil. Read more →
Israel's parliament passed a new law on Monday allowing death sentences for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks, pushed hard by far-right ministers. The legislation, passed amid the ongoing Gaza war and heightened regional tensions, has drawn condemnation from human rights groups who say it amounts to a violation of international law. Read more →
As missile sirens rang over Israel, thousands of Israelis received fake military texts urging them to download a malicious shelter app designed to steal personal data. Other attacks have included mass scare texts and phishing campaigns. Cybersecurity experts say the cyber offensive — targeting both military and civilian infrastructure — is the most visible digital dimension of the Iran war, involving Iran, the US, Israel, and their online sympathizers. Read more →
US gas prices crossed $4 per gallon for the first time in over a year as the Iran war disrupts global oil supplies and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. S&P Global has downgraded its 2026 global growth forecasts and raised inflation projections, citing the energy shock as a major factor. The conflict — now in its second month — shows no sign of abating. Read more →