News for 'the Middle East'

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.

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Leading automakers in India, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Hyundai, reported increased vehicle dispatches to dealers in February, driven by sustained domestic demand.

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

India Auto Sales Rise: Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Hyundai Report Growth

Rediff.com1 Mar 2026

Leading automakers in India, including Maruti Suzuki, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, and Hyundai, reported increased vehicle dispatches to dealers in February, driven by sustained domestic demand.

US releases video of Marines boarding Iranian vessel

US releases video of Marines boarding Iranian vessel

Rediff.com20 Apr 2026

US Central Command (CENTCOM) released footage of a maritime operation where Marines boarded an Iranian-flagged vessel, the Touska, in the Gulf of Oman, leading to heightened tensions and threats of retaliation from Iran.

Reopen Hormuz route quickly, stick to no-nuclear pledge: China to Iran

Reopen Hormuz route quickly, stick to no-nuclear pledge: China to Iran

Rediff.com6 May 2026

China has called on Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and expressed appreciation for Tehran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, a key demand of the US to end the conflict.

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.

India's Oil Reserves Can Cover 40-45 Days If Hormuz Flow Disrupted

India's Oil Reserves Can Cover 40-45 Days If Hormuz Flow Disrupted

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

India possesses approximately 100 million barrels of commercial crude oil stocks, capable of covering 40-45 days of its requirements if flows through the Strait of Hormuz are disrupted, according to Kpler.

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 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.

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.

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.

Saudi Crude Reaches Mumbai After Risky Strait Of Hormuz Crossing

Saudi Crude Reaches Mumbai After Risky Strait Of Hormuz Crossing

Rediff.com13 Mar 2026

An oil tanker carrying Saudi crude safely reached Mumbai after crossing the war-hit Strait of Hormuz with its tracking system briefly switched off.

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.

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 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.

Markets extend losses on soaring crude prices, West Asia turmoil; Sensex tanks 800 pts

Markets extend losses on soaring crude prices, West Asia turmoil; Sensex tanks 800 pts

Rediff.com12 Mar 2026

Indian benchmark equity indices experienced a significant downturn, with the Sensex plummeting over 800 points and the Nifty falling sharply, driven by rising crude oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and foreign capital outflows.

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.

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Manufacturing lifts pvt sector activity in April

Rediff.com24 Apr 2026

India's private sector activity saw a significant recovery in April, driven primarily by robust growth in manufacturing output and sales, following a three-year low in March attributed to the West Asia conflict.

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.

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.

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'.

India's manufacturing sector activity falls to 2-yr low in Dec

India's manufacturing sector activity falls to 2-yr low in Dec

Rediff.com2 Jan 2026

India's manufacturing sector activity witnessed the weakest improvement in the sector in two years in December on account of softer expansions in new orders, prompting firms to limit input purchases and job creation, a monthly survey said on Friday. The seasonally adjusted HSBC India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) -- an indicator of sector performance -- fell from 56.6 in November to 55 in December.

'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.

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.

IRGC claims to hit US military base with missiles

IRGC claims to hit US military base with missiles

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

The IRGC said five missiles were launched at 'the headquarters of the US Army at the Harir Air Base in Erbil, located in Iraq's Kurdistan Region'.

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.

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.

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.

Brands chase flyers as new airports open a runway to revenue for retail

Brands chase flyers as new airports open a runway to revenue for retail

Rediff.com27 Apr 2026

Indian airports are rapidly becoming a significant growth avenue for the country's retail sector, with brands across various consumer segments actively opening stores to tap into the increasing number of flyers and strong domestic tourism momentum.

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.

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.

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.

913 Indians exit Iran through Armenia, Azerbaijan: MEA

913 Indians exit Iran through Armenia, Azerbaijan: MEA

Rediff.com20 Mar 2026

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the number of Indians exiting Iran through Armenia and Azerbaijan has increased since the previous update.

After Israel, Iran denies any peace talks With US

After Israel, Iran denies any peace talks With US

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

Iran's Ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, has said there are no ongoing talks between Tehran and Washington, DC, countering United States President Donald Trump's claims of peace overtures.

Body of UP man killed in Riyadh missile attack brought to native village

Body of UP man killed in Riyadh missile attack brought to native village

Rediff.com25 Mar 2026

The mortal remains of a 26-year-old man from Uttar Pradesh, who was killed in a suspected missile attack in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, have been returned to his family in Sitapur. Ravi Gopal, who worked as a driver, died on March 18. The Ministry of External Affairs has expressed condolences and facilitated the repatriation of his body.

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.

T20 World Cup: ICC working on alternate flight plans for players and officials after US strikes on Iran

T20 World Cup: ICC working on alternate flight plans for players and officials after US strikes on Iran

Rediff.com28 Feb 2026

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is developing alternate flight plans for players and officials returning from the T20 World Cup following US strikes on Iran.

Anirban Lahiri Drops Out of Top 10 as Jon Rahm Seizes Share of Lead at LIV Golf Hong Kong

Anirban Lahiri Drops Out of Top 10 as Jon Rahm Seizes Share of Lead at LIV Golf Hong Kong

Rediff.com7 Mar 2026

India's Anirban Lahiri had a modest round, falling outside the Top-10 at Liv Golf Hong Kong, while Jon Rahm climbed into a three-way tie for the lead.