News for 'the Middle East'

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

'Unacceptable': India on attacks on ships in Strait of Hormuz

Rediff.com17 Apr 2026

India has expressed strong concern over the targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz during the West Asia conflict, urging for the restoration of unimpeded navigation and global commerce.

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Iran refuses to send delegation for peace talks in Pakistan

Rediff.com21 Apr 2026

Iran has denied sending a delegation to Islamabad for peace talks with the United States, contradicting Pakistan's claims of mediating the negotiations. The denial highlights a lack of confidence in Pakistan's ability to ensure security for high-level participants and underscores the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran.

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.

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Harsh Malhotra's appointment as Delhi BJP chief signals Cabinet reshuffle

Rediff.com29 May 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Harsh Malhotra as the president of its Delhi unit, sparking speculation about an imminent reshuffle of the Union Council of Ministers. This move follows the BJP's 'one person, one post' principle and comes as the party prepares for upcoming elections and a review of ministerial performance.

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Islamabad Talks: Look Out For Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf

Rediff.com11 Apr 2026

Trump seems to have estimated that Ghalibaf is a pragmatic politician who is receptive to close relations with the US and is enthusiastic about fostering business and economic ties in particular, points out Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar.

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.

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.

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.

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

US enforces strict naval blockade on Iran, halts maritime trade

Rediff.com16 Apr 2026

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed the implementation of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, enforcing strict measures on vessels entering or departing, significantly escalating tensions between the two nations.

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."

Why mixed-use developments are the future of Indian real estate

Why mixed-use developments are the future of Indian real estate

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Mixed-use real estate projects, integrating residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality segments, are gaining significant traction in India as developers seek to maximise returns, optimise land use, and diversify cash flows, with experts predicting 35-40% of urban real estate supply will be mixed-use by 2030.

Putin, UAE Prez step in, call for immediate ceasefire in West Asia

Putin, UAE Prez step in, call for immediate ceasefire in West Asia

Rediff.com2 Mar 2026

The US-Israeli military campaign, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury" by Washington, has entered its third day, with US President Donald Trump stating that operations would continue "until all of our objectives are achieved."

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Saudi Arabia pledges additional $3 billion support to Pakistan

Rediff.com15 Apr 2026

Pakistan's skewed foreign reserves got a major boost after Saudi Arabia pledged an additional $3 billion in deposits while extending its existing $5 billion facility for a further three years.

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.

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Gulf War Crisis: Why India Will Take A Huge Hit

Rediff.com11 May 2026

This is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source, points out Rajeev Srinivasan.

Punjab Kings Coach Ponting Approves Marco Jansen's Delayed IPL Arrival

Punjab Kings Coach Ponting Approves Marco Jansen's Delayed IPL Arrival

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting supports Marco Jansen's late arrival for the IPL, acknowledging logistical challenges faced by South African players after the T20 World Cup.

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.

US intel report counters Trump on Iran's missile capability

US intel report counters Trump on Iran's missile capability

Rediff.com3 Apr 2026

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.

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.

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

'Vijay Brings A Modern Look As Youth Are With Him'

Rediff.com4 Jun 2026

'Present day youth are not interested in the past. They want to see what you are going to do now.'

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.com30 Mar 2026

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.

Trump backs Israel strike, says Hezbollah not part of ceasefire deal

Trump backs Israel strike, says Hezbollah not part of ceasefire deal

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday backed Israel's ongoing military operation in Lebanon, stating that Hezbollah "was not included" in the recent ceasefire deal between Washington and Tehran, which halted the conflict in West Asia for two weeks.

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Regime change in Iran was never our goal, claims Trump

Rediff.com2 Apr 2026

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.com2 Apr 2026

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'.

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.

Israel backs Iran ceasefire, refuses to halt ops against Hezbollah

Israel backs Iran ceasefire, refuses to halt ops against Hezbollah

Rediff.com8 Apr 2026

Israel will continue its offensive in South Lebanon aimed at neutralising the threat from Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

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.

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 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.

Trump seeks allies' help in Strait of Hormuz; Japan, Australia say NO

Trump seeks allies' help in Strait of Hormuz; Japan, Australia say NO

Rediff.com16 Mar 2026

Amid escalating tensions with Iran, President Trump is urging nations dependent on Middle Eastern oil to deploy warships to the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard critical global energy supplies.

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

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

Rediff.com1 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.

Khashoggi killing gives Middle East politics unexpected twists

Khashoggi killing gives Middle East politics unexpected twists

Rediff.com24 Oct 2018

'Saudi Arabia's standing internationally and in the West is going to take a big hit even if MBS is dethroned.'

Stock Market Today March 6, 2026: Sensex, Nifty dive over 1% on boiling crude price

Stock Market Today March 6, 2026: Sensex, Nifty dive over 1% on boiling crude price

Rediff.com6 Mar 2026

Indian stock market benchmark indices Sensex and Nifty experienced a significant decline, driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices.

Iran rejects US 15-point plan, tables own demands

Iran rejects US 15-point plan, tables own demands

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

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.

Oil Prices Tumble as US Pauses Military Action Against Iran

Oil Prices Tumble as US Pauses Military Action Against Iran

Rediff.com23 Mar 2026

Crude oil prices experienced a sharp decline after US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to military strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, easing geopolitical tensions and supply disruption fears.

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

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

Rediff.com6 Apr 2026

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.

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Trump livid as NATO allies refuse help on Hormuz Strait

Rediff.com17 Mar 2026

President Trump asserts the US military has decimated Iran's forces and no longer requires assistance from NATO allies to secure the Strait of Hormuz, despite earlier requests for support.

Drones fired at warship, US troops retreat, claims Iran

Drones fired at warship, US troops retreat, claims Iran

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

Tensions escalate between Iran and the US following an attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman, with both sides trading accusations over maritime security and ceasefire violations.

Iran begins new 'heavy strikes' in region: IRGC

Iran begins new 'heavy strikes' in region: IRGC

Rediff.com18 Mar 2026

The IRGC had announced earlier that it was carrying out an intense wave of attacks on US and Israeli positons throughout the region since dawn, using missiles as well as drones.

No shortage, 60 days of fuel stocks available: Govt

No shortage, 60 days of fuel stocks available: Govt

Rediff.com26 Mar 2026

The Indian government has refuted claims of fuel shortages, asserting that the country possesses approximately 60 days of fuel stock cover and that all petrol pumps are adequately stocked and operating normally.