The war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran has rapidly expanded beyond its initial frontlines, sending shockwaves across the Middle East and shattering the sense of security long associated with several Gulf states. Within hours of the first strikes on Iranian targets, explosions were reported in Dubai, Bahrain, Jordan, and Kuwait, marking one of the most dramatic regional escalations in recent memory. What had begun as a confrontation centred on Iran quickly turned into a multi-country crisis, raising fears of a broader regional war. Missile Strikes in Dubai In Dubai, residents watched in disbelief as a missile…
Author: Leonard
Global energy markets are facing one of the most severe disruptions in decades as military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran have sparked fears of widespread supply shocks and heightened geopolitical risk. Analysts warn that the ongoing conflict has already shaken confidence in the world’s oil supply chains, even without confirmed damage to actual infrastructure. Despite no official reports of destroyed oil facilities, the threat to exports, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz a critical chokepoint for roughly 20% of the world’s petroleum liquids, has triggered sharp market reactions. Some major oil companies and trading houses have…
Tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran have escalated following a new round of military strikes that reportedly hit sites in Tehran linked to Iran’s top leadership. Among the locations mentioned were areas near the offices and compound of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The developments have raised a critical question: Who is Khamenei, and why might he be considered a strategic target? Where Did the Recent Attacks Occur? Iranian media reported that missile strikes took place in several parts of Tehran, including near the presidential palace in the Shemiran district and areas associated with Khamenei’s offices. While…
In a dramatic escalation of tension in the Middle East on Saturday, February 28, 2026, Iranian forces launched a barrage of missile strikes targeting United States military installations across the Persian Gulf, including a high-profile base in Bahrain, as explosions were reported across several Gulf states. The most significant reported strike was against the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters located in Juffair, Bahrain, a key strategic hub for American naval operations in the region. Local residents and witnesses reported loud blasts and smoke rising near the base shortly after Iran publicly acknowledged its counter-attack against United States and allied facilities.…
The United States has voiced support for Pakistan’s “right to defend itself” after Islamabad carried out airstrikes on major Afghan cities, dramatically escalating tensions between the two neighbours. Pakistan launched strikes on areas including Kabul, Kandahar, Paktia, Paktika, Khost and Laghman, according to Taliban officials. The attacks followed cross-border clashes in which Afghan forces reportedly targeted Pakistani border troops. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Kabul preferred dialogue over further conflict. “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always tried to resolve issues through dialogue, and now also we want to resolve this matter through dialogue,” he said. But Pakistan’s Defence Minister…
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, a key mediator in indirect nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, met with United States Vice President JD Vance in Washington, DC on Friday, as regional tensions escalate over Iran’s nuclear programme and the threat of potential military confrontation. Why this meeting matters Oman has long played a quiet but crucial role as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, especially on nuclear issues. Its foreign minister’s meeting with the US vice president signals: Read More: Israel says it has launched attack on Iran, as explosions reported in Tehran FAQs What…
The United States and Israel have launched what they describe as a “pre-emptive” military operation against Iran, marking a sharp escalation in tensions and raising fears of a wider regional conflict. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strikes were aimed at removing threats to Israel, accusing Tehran of advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Explosions were reported in Tehran, with smoke seen rising over parts of the capital. The New York Times, citing a US official, reported that American strikes were underway. A source told Reuters that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been moved from Tehran to…
Smoke has been seen rising over parts of Tehran after Israel said it launched a “pre-emptive” attack on Iran, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions between the two regional powers. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel had initiated the strikes and declared a “special and permanent state of emergency” across the country, warning of possible retaliatory missile and drone attacks. Iranian state media reported multiple explosions in the east and north of Tehran, including around central areas such as Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square. The BBC has received images showing plumes of smoke rising above the capital. What…
Trump news at a glance. High-stakes negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear programme ended Thursday without a breakthrough, intensifying concerns that Washington could pivot toward military action if diplomacy stalls. Indirect talks in Geneva were conducted in two sessions, mediated by Oman. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, described the discussions as making “good progress” and confirmed that further contacts would take place within a week, likely at a technical level in Vienna. Omani mediators echoed that cautious optimism. However, there was no evidence of convergence on the core disputes: Iran’s insistence on its right to enrich…
U.S. President Donald Trump has struck a stark tone in the U.S.–Iran standoff, saying that while he would prefer a diplomatic solution, there may be moments when military force is necessary. Speaking to reporters as he departed the White House on 27 February 2026, Trump expressed frustration with Tehran’s unwillingness to commit to giving up its nuclear weapons ambitions, while affirming that further negotiations were expected soon. Trump reiterated that the primary U.S. objective remains preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear arsenal, a position that has underpinned U.S. foreign policy for years. Speaking before a trip to Texas, he said…