US News

Israeli media reports say an overnight strike in Tehran targeted Iran’s Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib. An Israeli official claimed the operation aimed at senior leadership, but Khatib’s condition remains unknown. The Israel Defense Forces has not confirmed the strike.

US President Donald Trump faces a growing dilemma in the Iran war as protests, oil shocks and global backlash mount. With Iran refusing to surrender, Washington is stuck between escalation and uneasy diplomacy.

Oil prices rose on March 17 after fresh attacks hit energy infrastructure in the Middle East, raising fears of supply disruption. Brent crude crossed $102 per barrel, while WTI also gained. Despite tensions, global stock markets remained strong.

India strongly rejected the USCIRF 2026 report alleging religious freedom violations, calling it biased and politically motivated. The MEA urged the US panel to instead address attacks on Hindu temples and harassment of the Indian diaspora.

The United States is refocusing on the Western Hemisphere as geopolitical competition intensifies. China’s growing trade and infrastructure investments across Latin America, including projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative, have raised concerns in Washington.

Global geopolitical tensions in 2026, from the Strait of Hormuz crisis to the Russia-Ukraine War and US-China rivalry, are reshaping investment strategies. Gold has surged to $5,200-$5,230 per ounce, after a 64% rally in 2025, while central banks bought 863 tonnes last year. Oil markets remain volatile as Brent trades around $87-$91 per barrel.

Oil prices on March 16 eased as investors balanced hopes of shipping resuming via Strait of Hormuz with fears of further attacks on energy infra. Brent crude rose slightly while US crude fell. Markets showed mixed movement amid Middle East conflict.

Israel has claimed that it destroyed an aircraft used by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, at an airport in Tehran. According to reports, Israeli authorities said the plane linked to Khamenei was hit and destroyed during the operation.

Israel says its war campaign with the United States against Iran is advancing faster than planned, but the IDF warns operations could continue for weeks as thousands of targets remain across Tehran and beyond.

Israel’s missile defence system is reportedly under pressure as interceptor stocks run low amid Iranian strikes. US officials warn the shortage could worsen as Tehran introduces cluster missiles into the conflict.