News for 'the Middle East'

Squash Star Anahat Singh Eyes Medal At LA 2028 Olympic Games

Squash Star Anahat Singh Eyes Medal At LA 2028 Olympic Games

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

India's top-ranked squash player Anahat Singh is focusing on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as the sport is all set to make its Olympic debut.

Iran reviews backchannel messages, warns it's ready for 'any attack'

Iran reviews backchannel messages, warns it's ready for 'any attack'

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

A spokesperson said the government is carefully assessing these communications in the context of the ongoing regional crisis.

Is US a proxy for Israel? Iran Prez issues open letter to Americans

Is US a proxy for Israel? Iran Prez issues open letter to Americans

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

Pezeshkian urged American citizens to look beyond 'manufactured narratives', claiming the portrayal of Iran as a threat is driven by the military-industrial complex and Israeli political interests.

Interpol Warns of Soaring Financial Fraud Fueled by AI

Interpol Warns of Soaring Financial Fraud Fueled by AI

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Interpol's latest report reveals a significant surge in global financial fraud, driven by the increasing use of artificial intelligence by scamsters, resulting in losses of over USD 442 billion in 2025.

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.

Starmer Expresses Relief After Shooting Near Trump

Starmer Expresses Relief After Shooting Near Trump

Rediff.com26 Apr 2026

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer contacted US President Donald Trump to express his relief following a shooting incident near the White House Correspondents Dinner. The leaders also discussed the need to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Open the fu*** Strait, you crazy b***ds: Trump to Iran

Open the fu*** Strait, you crazy b***ds: Trump to Iran

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

In a post on Truth Social, Trump used unusually harsh language to convey his message, reminding Tehran of his deadline to 'make a deal' or 'open the Strait'.

Netanyahu directs talks with Lebanon after deadly strikes

Netanyahu directs talks with Lebanon after deadly strikes

Rediff.com10 Apr 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday called for the opening of direct negotiations with Lebanon, as tensions persist along the border despite a two-week ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities in West Asia.

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 in Green Amid Easing Geopolitical Tensions

Stock Markets Today: Sensex, Nifty50 in Green Amid Easing Geopolitical Tensions

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

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.

Ships stuck in Persian Gulf for over a month, crews plead for help

Ships stuck in Persian Gulf for over a month, crews plead for help

Rediff.com5 Apr 2026

There are roughly 2,000 ships stranded in the Persian Gulf, carrying more than 20,000 seafarers, according to the International Maritime Organisation, as quoted by The Wall Street Journal.

Trump eyes end to Iran war before China visit: Report

Trump eyes end to Iran war before China visit: Report

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report said Trump believes the conflict is in its final stages and has urged aides to adhere to the four-to-six-week timeline he has outlined publicly.

Iran imposes 'toll' in Hormuz; India calls it baseless

Iran imposes 'toll' in Hormuz; India calls it baseless

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The report said ships must submit full documentation, obtain clearance codes and accept IRGC-escorted passage through a designated corridor.

Araghchi meets Munir in Pak, Iran says no talks planned with US

Araghchi meets Munir in Pak, Iran says no talks planned with US

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied reports of planned talks with the United States during a visit to Islamabad, Pakistan, despite US envoys also visiting the region.

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.

If not weaponised, everything today is being...: Jaishankar

If not weaponised, everything today is being...: Jaishankar

Rediff.com4 Apr 2026

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that India has demonstrated resilience in the face of recent global shocks, including the conflict in West Asia, while speaking at the convocation ceremony of IIM Raipur. He emphasised the importance of building national capabilities to de-risk and develop leverage in a changing global order.

Iran sends back Pakistan-bound food ship from Strait of Hormuz

Iran sends back Pakistan-bound food ship from Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The container ship SELEN, en route to Karachi, was denied passage by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy due to lack of permission and failure to coordinate with Iranian maritime authorities.

Hardliners in Iran blocking negotiation with US: Report

Hardliners in Iran blocking negotiation with US: Report

Rediff.com25 Apr 2026

A new assessment by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reveals that a power struggle within Iran's leadership, with hardliners gaining influence, could significantly impact future negotiations with the United States.

Exit Iran 'Expeditiously': India Issues Fresh Advisory

Exit Iran 'Expeditiously': India Issues Fresh Advisory

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The embassy also said that the exit must be undertaken in coordination with the mission.

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.

Pakistan to continue facilitating US-Iran talks, urges both to uphold ceasefire

Pakistan to continue facilitating US-Iran talks, urges both to uphold ceasefire

Rediff.com12 Apr 2026

Pakistan has announced its commitment to continue facilitating talks between the United States and Iran, urging both nations to uphold the ceasefire agreement. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar highlighted Pakistan's role in mediating recent discussions and expressed hope for durable peace and regional stability.

Won't take life insurance policy for Mojtaba Khamenei: Netanyahu

Won't take life insurance policy for Mojtaba Khamenei: Netanyahu

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserts that the joint US-Israel campaign against Iran is progressing successfully, highlighting Israel's strengthened position and hinting at new regional alliances.

Why The Energy Crisis Will Get Worse

Why The Energy Crisis Will Get Worse

Rediff.com11 May 2026

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted some 20 per cent of the global flows but even if it opens, damages to production facilities in the region will take time to repair, points out Sunita Narain.

Trump keen to secure deal with Iran: Israeli officials

Trump keen to secure deal with Iran: Israeli officials

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

Trump claimed on social media that recent US-Iran discussions were 'very good and productive' and aimed at a 'complete and total resolution' of the conflict.

India Is Not Alone: How Hormuz Crisis Affected Lifestyles Worldwide

India Is Not Alone: How Hormuz Crisis Affected Lifestyles Worldwide

Rediff.com14 May 2026

The Strait of Hormuz crisis is impacting lifestyles worldwide, from reduced gold purchases in India to energy conservation in Europe and Japan, as governments urge citizens to adapt to the global energy shock.

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rubio meets Modi, discusses West Asia, extends Trump's invitation to visit US

Rediff.com23 May 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed various aspects of India-US bilateral ties, focusing on defence, trade, energy, and technology. Rubio extended an invitation from President Donald Trump for PM Modi to visit the US.

Why Saudi Arabia Is Livid With The UAE

Why Saudi Arabia Is Livid With The UAE

Rediff.com5 Feb 2026

What began as a mentor-protege relationship between UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has now evolved into a broader contest over influence, strategy, and leadership in the Middle East, points out Asif Ullah Khan.

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Iran Rewrites Rules of War

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

Iran is fighting a different war: Older, slower, and in some ways more dangerous. Iran doesn't need to shoot down an F/A-18. It only needs to make the Strait of Hormuz feel dangerous long enough for insurance markets, shipping companies, and oil futures traders to do the rest. Prem Panicker continues his must-read daily blog on the war in the Middle East.

Gulf War: Bombing Won't Make Iran Surrender

Gulf War: Bombing Won't Make Iran Surrender

Rediff.com24 Mar 2026

It is time for India to step up and get Russia, China and Europe to agree to a joint appeal to all combatants. Time is of essence, tomorrow may be too late, asserts Colonel Anil A Athale, former head of the history division, ministry of defence.

Oil Price Surge, FII Outflows Drag Indian Stock Markets Lower

Oil Price Surge, FII Outflows Drag Indian Stock Markets Lower

Rediff.com28 Apr 2026

Indian benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced declines due to a sharp rally in crude oil prices, continuous foreign fund outflows, and geopolitical uncertainties. Regulatory developments in the banking sector, particularly the implementation of the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) framework, also contributed to the selling pressure.

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.

Strait of Hormuz changed irreversibly: Iran's big warning amid Trump's ultimatum

Strait of Hormuz changed irreversibly: Iran's big warning amid Trump's ultimatum

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

The naval command underlined recent regional developments, which have now established a new reality in which extra-regional powers, led by Washington, DC, can no longer dictate terms or project unchecked influence in Iran's immediate maritime environment.

PSL matches hit by US-Iran crisis: Will IPL be affected?

PSL matches hit by US-Iran crisis: Will IPL be affected?

Rediff.com22 Mar 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that the initial stages of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will be held without spectators due to regional tensions and government austerity measures.

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.

Campaign against Iran 'is not yet over': Netanyahu

Campaign against Iran 'is not yet over': Netanyahu

Rediff.com1 Apr 2026

Benjamin Netanyahu declares that the joint Israel-US campaign is successfully 'crushing' Iran, eliminating existential threats and weakening the regime's regional influence.

P V Sindhu Stranded In Dubai; Set To Miss All England Badminton Championships

P V Sindhu Stranded In Dubai; Set To Miss All England Badminton Championships

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is likely to miss the All England Championships due to travel disruptions caused by airspace closures in the Gulf region.

Vance to lead US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 10

Vance to lead US-Iran talks in Islamabad on April 10

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

The meeting follows a ceasefire agreement that was announced and welcomed by Shehbaz Sharif, who also extended invitations to both delegations for further negotiations.

When US, Israel Attacked Iran

When US, Israel Attacked Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

On Saturday, February 28, the United States and Israel launched coordinated military strikes on Iran marking a significant escalation in Middle East tensions.

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.

FPI Inflow Hits 17-month High at Rs 22,615 cr In Feb

FPI Inflow Hits 17-month High at Rs 22,615 cr In Feb

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) infused Rs 22,615 crore into Indian equities in February, marking the highest monthly inflow in 17 months, driven by factors such as the interim India-US trade deal, correction in domestic market valuations, and strong corporate earnings.

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Iran seeks India's help on West Asia, flags UAE hurdle in BRICS

Rediff.com13 May 2026

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has urged India to take the lead in bringing peace to West Asia, highlighting the UAE's role in stalling BRICS consensus on the conflict. Gharibabadi also discussed a new framework with Oman for merchant vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.