Indian merchant sailors are increasingly exposed to danger as the ongoing Middle East conflict disrupts shipping routes in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Read More: Sri Lanka court orders return of Iranian sailors‘ bodies According to reports, several Indian seafarers have been affected by attacks on commercial […]
Middle East war
Pilgrims continue hajj journey despite Middle East war fears
Thousands of Muslim pilgrims from Western countries are continuing their journey to Saudi Arabia for the annual hajj pilgrimage despite ongoing conflict and security concerns in the Middle East. Many worshippers say their religious commitment outweighs fears linked to regional instability and travel advisories issued by governments. Consequently, Makkah remains filled with pilgrims arriving from […]
Hajj pilgrim numbers surpass 2025 arrivals despite Middle East war
Over 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia from outside the kingdom for the upcoming Hajj, according to a Saudi official, exceeding the number of international visitors last year despite the war in the Middle East. The conflict triggered by the US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February saw Tehran order waves […]
US congressman cites report of aircraft losses in Iran conflict
A US congressman has claimed that the United States lost dozens of military aircraft during the conflict with Iran, citing an external defence report during a congressional hearing. Democratic Congressman Ed Case said during a Senate committee hearing that around 39 US aircraft had reportedly been destroyed since the outbreak of war with Iran on […]
Lebanon, Israel set to hold high-stakes talks in Washington
Lebanon and Israel are set to hold high-stakes talks in Washington, D.C. under US mediation, aiming to address the ongoing conflict, though expectations for a breakthrough remain low. Read More: Trump ‘tough call’ pushes Netanyahu toward Lebanon ceasefire talks The meeting, facilitated by Marco Rubio, will bring together Lebanese and Israeli representatives in what officials describe as […]
Pope Leo XIV marks Easter amid shadow of Middle East war
Pope Leo XIV is marking his first Easter as pontiff while the ongoing conflict in the Middle East casts a heavy shadow over the Christian world’s most significant religious celebration. The pope is scheduled to lead Easter Mass at St Peter’s Square, where thousands of worshippers are expected to gather despite global concerns over war […]
US and Iran efforts to locate and recover crew members from a downed US fighter jet
WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States (US) and Iran launched parallel efforts on Saturday to locate and recover crew members from a downed US fighter jet, as the ongoing conflict between the two sides intensified across the region. Read More: Iran hunts crashed US jet crew, as reports say one rescued Iranian authorities claimed they had shot down an F-15 […]
Iranian missile strikes kills civilian in Tel Aviv
An Iranian missile attack killed a man in Tel Aviv on Friday, as Tehran continued its retaliatory strikes across the region a month into the ongoing conflict, Israeli authorities said. The attack came amid a series of at least five missile barrages over a period of just over five hours, prompting air raid sirens and […]
US expects Iran conflict to end within weeks
DUBAI/WASHINGTON/PARIS — The United States (US) expects its ongoing military operations against Iran to conclude within weeks rather than months, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Friday, signalling a potential near-term end to the escalating conflict. Read More: Trump seeks to end Iran conflict within six weeks Speaking after meetings with G7 counterparts in France, Rubio stated […]
Iran rejects US plan, sets 5 conditions to end war
Iran has rejected a US proposal to end the ongoing conflict, setting five conditions for a ceasefire. The move signals continued tensions and uncertainty in the region. The decision affects Middle East stability, global energy markets, and diplomatic efforts. According to state media, Tehran responded negatively to the proposal conveyed by the United States. Officials […]