Washington, March 19 (IANS) The United States has struck more than 7,000 targets inside Iran and is intensifying operations, with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth asserting that Tehran’s military capabilities have been significantly degraded even as the conflict enters a more aggressive phase. “We’re winning decisively and on our terms,” Hegseth told reporters at a Pentagon news conference as he pushed back against concerns of a prolonged war. He stressed that the campaign remains “l…
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New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II held a telephonic conversation on Thursday, their second this month, expressing concern over the evolving situation in West Asia. The two leaders highlighted the need for dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region. PM Modi conveyed advance Eid greetings to King Abdullah II and appreciated Jordan’s efforts in facilitating the safe return of Indians stranded in…
Kabul, March 19 (IANS) Pakistani military forces fired over 70 artillery shells in Afghanistan’s Kunar province, local media reported on Thursday, citing officials. The incident coincided with Eid al-Fitr, during which Afghanistan and Pakistan had announced a temporary pause in hostilities. Zia-ur-Rahman Spin Ghar, head of information at Kunar’s Department of Information and Culture, said 35 shells were fired in several areas, including Barikot, Dokalam and Tsongalai in Narai district, Afghani…
New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday regarding the situation in West Asia and the urgent need for de-escalation and return to dialogue and diplomacy. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Spoke with my dear friend, President Emmanuel Macron, on the situation in West Asia and the urgent need for de-escalation, as well as a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We look forward to continuing our close coordination to advance peace and …
New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) India on Thursday termed the recent attacks against energy installations in different locations across the Gulf region as “deeply disturbing”, highlighting that such actions will only further destabilise an already uncertain energy scenario for the whole world. “India had previously called for the avoidance of targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, across the region,” Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated wh…
New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Oman Sultan Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Thursday and reiterated India’s condemnation of the recent violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two leaders agreed on the need to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability. PM Modi also expressed appreciation for Oman’s efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of peop…
Riyadh, March 19 (IANS) Several Arab nations have reaffirmed their condemnation of Iranian attacks on residential areas, civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, desalination plants, airports, residential buildings, and diplomatic premises and stressed the right of states to defend themselves in accordance with Article-51 of the United Nations Charter. The Foreign Ministers of Qatar, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Turkey and the Unit…
Abu Dhabi, March 19 (IANS) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) authorities said on Thursday that operations at the Habshan gas facilities have been temporarily suspended due to falling debris from interceptions of missiles and condemned Iran over the “terrorist attack”. “The United Arab Emirates has strongly condemned the Iranian terrorist attack targeting the Habshan gas facility and the Bab field, which was successfully intercepted by the country’s air defences with no injuries reported,” the UAE’s…
New Delhi, March 19 (IANS) Oil prices jumped more than 4 per cent on Thursday over attacks on key energy infrastructure in West Asia.The April contract of Brent crude on the Intercontinental Exchange was trading at $111.78 per barrel, up 4.10 per cent from its previous close. Meanwhile, the April contract of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) on NYMEX rose 3.37 per cent to $99.57 per barrel.Oil surged after Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field — the world’s largest. Iran retaliated,…
Mumbai, March 19 (IANS) Indian equity markets opened sharply lower on Thursday, tracking weak global cues as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East triggered a surge in crude oil prices.Sensex plunged 1,953 points or 2.55 per cent to 74,750, while Nifty also witnessed heavy selling pressure, declining 580 points or about 2.4 per cent, before recovering a bit in early trade.Among stocks, HDFC Bank, Shriram Finance, Larsen & Toubro (L&T), TMPV, Axis Bank, HDFC Life and IndiGo …