News for 'middle east'

US intel report counters Trump on Iran's missile capability

US intel report counters Trump on Iran's missile capability

Rediff.com3 days ago

Media reports based on intelligence sources say nearly half of Iran's missile launchers remain intact, while thousands of one-way attack drones are still part of its arsenal even after continuous strikes targeting military infrastructure over the past five weeks.

Two more Indian LPG tankers transit Hormuz with 94K tonne cooking gas

Two more Indian LPG tankers transit Hormuz with 94K tonne cooking gas

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Two more Indian-flagged LPG tankers have safely navigated the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring continued cooking gas supply to India amidst regional conflict. These tankers are expected to reach Indian shores soon, following the successful transit of previous vessels.

Gulf Strikes Disrupt Cricket: ECB Scraps Abu Dhabi Matches

Gulf Strikes Disrupt Cricket: ECB Scraps Abu Dhabi Matches

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

The ECB cancelled the England Lions vs Pakistan Shaheens match in Abu Dhabi and postponed the England Women's training camp after US and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered missile fire across the Gulf and airspace closures.

Iran rejects US 15-point plan, tables own demands

Iran rejects US 15-point plan, tables own demands

Rediff.com12 hours ago

Iran on Monday described the 15-point proposal from the United States to end the conflict in West Asia and reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz as 'excessively demanding', stating that it has prepared its own set of demands to end hostilities, which have now entered their second month.

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Modi to embark on two-day Israel visit, to boost defence ties

Rediff.com25 Feb 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Israel to enhance defence and trade cooperation amid Middle East tensions. Discussions will include defence, security, and the situation in Gaza.

US, Iran explore 45-day ceasefire as mediators push for deal

US, Iran explore 45-day ceasefire as mediators push for deal

Rediff.com20 hours ago

The United States and Iran, with regional mediators, are reportedly discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire to prevent further escalation of conflict, including strikes on Iranian infrastructure and retaliation against Gulf states' facilities.

Stability in middle east must, told Iran and Israel to calm down: Jaishankar

Stability in middle east must, told Iran and Israel to calm down: Jaishankar

Rediff.com15 Apr 2024

Jaishankar emphasised that the stability of the Middle East region was essential because about one crore Indian citizens live there and said, "a large part of our shipping passes through this region and also, oil comes from there."

Stranded West Indies, South Africa players to leave India on Tuesday

Stranded West Indies, South Africa players to leave India on Tuesday

Rediff.com9 Mar 2026

The West Indies and South Africa cricket teams are scheduled to leave India after being stranded due to travel restrictions caused by the Middle East conflict following their T20 World Cup campaigns.

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Fighting 'existential war' against US, Israel: Iran

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh declares Iran's unwavering commitment to a 'heroic nationalist defence' against perceived American and Israeli aggression, vowing to resist what he calls an 'invasion' to the very end.

USS Tripoli enters West Asia combat zone with 3,500 marines

USS Tripoli enters West Asia combat zone with 3,500 marines

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

The USS Tripoli, carrying around 3,500 US Marines, has entered the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, marking the deployment of one of America's largest amphibious assault ships into an active combat theatre in West Asia amid the ongoing conflict.

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Rediff.com4 days ago

Trump emphasised that diplomatic discussions remain ongoing. At the same time, he issued a stark warning, saying that failure to reach an agreement could trigger military action.

Trump warns Iran of 'extremely hard' strikes as US nears endgame

Trump warns Iran of 'extremely hard' strikes as US nears endgame

Rediff.com4 days ago

In his first major national address since hostilities began, Trump said the ongoing military campaign, dubbed 'Operation Epic Fury', has delivered 'swift, decisive, overwhelming victories'.

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Day after Trump call, UK weighs 'Octopus' anti-drone shield in Gulf

Rediff.com15 Mar 2026

Specifically, military experts are assessing if the 'Octopus' interceptor anti-drone system, produced in the UK to support Ukraine in countering Russian threats, could be repurposed to strengthen British protections against Iran's Shahed drones.

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge as US-Iran Tensions Ease

Stock Market Today: Sensex, Nifty50 Surge as US-Iran Tensions Ease

Rediff.com5 days ago

Indian markets on Dalal Street rallied sharply as easing tensions in the US-Iran conflict and stable oil prices boosted sentiment. Track Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex performance and key global triggers.

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Gulf War: Will Trump Strike A Deal With Iran?

Rediff.com28 Mar 2026

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are actively pushing Trump to take the war to its bitter finish and 'erase' Iran's presence in the geopolitics of the region. Simply put, the two most powerful Sunni Arab oligarchies are on the same page as Israel. Such interference increases the risk of a breakdown in dialogue between the US and Iran, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

Geopolitical Risks and Global Factors to Steer Indian Stock Markets This Week

Geopolitical Risks and Global Factors to Steer Indian Stock Markets This Week

Rediff.com7 days ago

Analysts predict that the ongoing conflict in West Asia, crude oil prices, and global trends will significantly influence the Indian stock market in the upcoming holiday-shortened week. Foreign investor activity and rupee movement will also be crucial.

Chess Federation FIDE Reassures Safety Measures for Cyprus Tournament

Chess Federation FIDE Reassures Safety Measures for Cyprus Tournament

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has sought to allay security concerns surrounding the upcoming Candidates Tournament in Cyprus, emphasising that safety measures and contingency plans are in place despite regional instability.

You're negotiating with yourself: Iranian military mocks Trump

You're negotiating with yourself: Iranian military mocks Trump

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Iranian military spokesperson said that stability in the region would be ensured only by the strength of Iran's armed forces and warned that energy and oil markets would not return to previous levels unless this reality was acknowledged.

Stock Market Crash: Sensex plunges 1,690 pts, Nifty drops below 22,850

Stock Market Crash: Sensex plunges 1,690 pts, Nifty drops below 22,850

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Indian stock markets tumbled sharply with the Sensex falling 800 points and nearly 4 lakh crore wiped out in a single session. Here are the 6 key factors, including rupee weakness and global cues, behind the crash.

Lamhaa banned in the Middle East

Lamhaa banned in the Middle East

Rediff.com15 Jul 2010

Director Rahul Dholakia's film, which is based on the troubles in the Kashmir valley, will not be screened in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

The Most Vicious Phase Of The War Is About To Begin

Rediff.com2 days ago

The big question is whether Trump is any longer in command of the situation. For all practical purposes, the war seems set to cascade as the US is preparing for a potential ground operation in Iran and threatens to destroy 'bridges next, then electric power plants', points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

US Confirms Killing of Iranian Navy Chief Tangsiri in Israeli Strike

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Admiral Alireza Tangsiri was accused of leading efforts to disrupt maritime trade, including actions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

Massive 'No Kings' Protests Erupt in US Against Iran War

Massive 'No Kings' Protests Erupt in US Against Iran War

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Protests were held from coast to coast, with massive marches in major cities and smaller gatherings in suburban and rural areas across both traditionally Republican and Democratic states.

Iran Allows 'Friendly Nations' to Use Strait of Hormuz Amid War: India, Pakistan Among Few

Iran Allows 'Friendly Nations' to Use Strait of Hormuz Amid War: India, Pakistan Among Few

Rediff.com27 Mar 2026

Iran has reportedly allowed select "friendly nations" including India and Pakistan limited access to the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing conflict, easing some energy supply concerns. Here's what the move means for global trade and oil routes.

'Bridges, power plants': Trump warns of strikes on Iranian infrastructure

'Bridges, power plants': Trump warns of strikes on Iranian infrastructure

Rediff.com3 days ago

United States President Donald Trump warned Iran of potential strikes on its infrastructure, including bridges and electric power plants, saying the US military 'hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran'.

India's Services Sector Growth Eases to 14-Month Low

India's Services Sector Growth Eases to 14-Month Low

Rediff.com14 hours ago

India's services sector growth slowed in March, reaching a 14-month low, according to the HSBC India Services PMI. The slowdown reflects weaker new business intakes and rising input costs, particularly in fuel, transport, and logistics.

Iran claims downing of second US F-35, pilot unlikely to survive

Iran claims downing of second US F-35, pilot unlikely to survive

Rediff.com3 days ago

A second United States fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet was struck and downed over central Iran by a modern air-defence system of the Islamic Republic's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), with officials saying the pilot is unlikely to have ejected, Iranian state media reported on Friday.

8 killed, 95 injured in US-Israeli strikes on Iran bridge

8 killed, 95 injured in US-Israeli strikes on Iran bridge

Rediff.com3 days ago

At least eight civilians have been reported killed, and 95 others have sustained injuries following United States-Israeli strikes, Iranian state media Press TV reported.

Iran fires missiles at US-UK base 4,000 km away in Indian Ocean Region

Iran fires missiles at US-UK base 4,000 km away in Indian Ocean Region

Rediff.com21 Mar 2026

Amid rising tensions, Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles toward a US-UK military base, prompting concerns about regional stability and the potential for escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Pakistan Offers To Mediate Between Iran, US: Financial Times

Pakistan Offers To Mediate Between Iran, US: Financial Times

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

'Pakistan has pitched Islamabad as a possible venue for talks as early as this week involving senior figures from the Trump administration and Iran,' the Financial Times reported.

Iran claims 'complete control' of Strait of Hormuz

Iran claims 'complete control' of Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com4 Mar 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claims control of the Strait of Hormuz and reports striking a US destroyer, escalating tensions in the Middle East following retaliatory strikes between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Iran denies reports of $2 mn levy on vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Iran denies reports of $2 mn levy on vessels in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

The diplomatic intervention follows various media reports which attributed comments to Iranian lawmaker Alaeddin Boroujerdi, suggesting that merchant vessels were being charged USD 2 million for safe passage through the "conflict-hit Hormuz."

Iran claims missile attack on US aircraft carrier

Iran claims missile attack on US aircraft carrier

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

According to an official Iranian military statement, Qader anti-ship cruise missiles were launched at the carrier, forcing it to alter its position in the region.

Iran's nuke programme would've gone 'immune within months': Netanyahu

Iran's nuke programme would've gone 'immune within months': Netanyahu

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel and the US struck Iran because Tehran had restarted its nuclear programme and it would have gone 'immune within months'. He claimed Iran was building new underground sites to shield its missile and nuclear programmes from attacks.

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Pakistan Intensifies Diplomacy to Resolve West Asia Conflict

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has engaged in extensive diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict in West Asia, offering to host talks between the US and Iran and engaging with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Malaysia, the UK, China, and the European Union.

No knowledge of peace talks, Iran ops continue: Israel counters Trump

No knowledge of peace talks, Iran ops continue: Israel counters Trump

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Addressing a media stakeout at the United Nations on Tuesday, Israel's envoy said the country's primary objective remained preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.

Pakistan to Host Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye Foreign Ministers for West Asia Peace Talks

Pakistan to Host Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye Foreign Ministers for West Asia Peace Talks

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Pakistan is set to host a quadrilateral summit of foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and explore avenues for peace negotiations.

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

India, Israel upgrade ties to 'strategic partnership'; Modi backs Gaza peace

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

India and Israel have elevated their relationship to a special strategic partnership, focusing on enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, and defense, while also addressing regional peace initiatives.

Kurdish President's residence hit by drone strike

Kurdish President's residence hit by drone strike

Rediff.com29 Mar 2026

Iraq's Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Saturday confirmed a drone strike targeting the residence of Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani in Duhok amid escalating tensions in West Asia, triggering a sharp blame game between the United States and Iran.

Iran War Burns India's Exporters: Stranded at Sea, Billed For A War They Never Started

Iran War Burns India's Exporters: Stranded at Sea, Billed For A War They Never Started

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

'Every day the meter is ticking. Like a time bomb.' Shipping giants are billing Indian exporters up to $3,000 per container in war surcharges -- on cargo that sailed before the war began -- as the Strait of Hormuz shuts down.