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West Asia Conflict

West Asia Conflict

The war in West Asia, which began on February 28, has sent shockwaves across global markets. With neither side showing signs of backing down, the conflict appears far from resolution.
 
Crude oil prices have stayed above $100 a barrel, raising concerns for import-dependent economies like India. Analysts have begun trimming India Inc’s earnings growth forecasts for FY27, factoring in rising input costs and macro uncertainty.
 
Brokerages, too, are recalibrating their stance on Indian equities. Goldman Sachs, for instance, has downgraded India to “market-weight”, citing a “deteriorating macro mix”. The crisis has effectively turned into a supply shock, disrupting energy availability and pushing
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What's the message behind Trump's threats of economic warfare against Iran

President Trump's threats of an 'economic D-Day' carry a clear signal to Iran that he does not want to go back to war

Updated On : 21 Aug 2026 | 9:21 AM IST
West Asia Conflict

US forces redirect 67 vessels, disable 3 to enforce Iran blockade: CENTCOM

The development comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz

Updated On : 21 Aug 2026 | 7:58 AM IST
West Asia Conflict

Iran calls new US sanctions 'economic terrorism, crimes against humanity'

Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the new sanctions by US were another indication of continuation of 73 years of hostility and animosity by US policymakers toward its people

Updated On : 21 Aug 2026 | 7:50 AM IST
West Asia Conflict

US to impose 'toughest sanctions in history' on Iran, says Bessent

Bessent's comments followed President Trump's threat a day earlier of 'economic warfare' and warning of economic consequences against any country that provided 'any type of lifeline to Iran'

Updated On : 21 Aug 2026 | 7:39 AM IST
West Asia Conflict

Latest Updates on West Asia Conflict

India, China can help resolve West Asia conflict, says Hillary Clinton

India and China could be among key players who could contribute to resolving the West Asia conflict if US President Donald Trump wants to use "diplomacy instead of bluster", said former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Talking about the conflict, Clinton, in an interview with C-SPAN, said: "The misconceptions on a strategic level have led us to where we are." The conflict began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, triggering retaliatory strikes. It also led to the choking of the vital Strait of Hormuz. In June, the US and Iran signed an interim peace agreement, but it collapsed last month with fresh strikes from both sides. "If you want to figure out how Trump could get out of this. I think the key to it is probably China and India, because if you look at who buys the most oil and gas from Iran, it's China and India," said Clinton on Monday. Pakistan, Oman and Qatar are among countries trying to mediate between the US and Iran to end the conflic

India, China can help resolve West Asia conflict, says Hillary Clinton
Updated On : 26 Aug 2026 | 5:41 PM IST

Indian rice exporters see Iranian demand defying US sanctions risk

Rice dominates trade between the two countries, accounting for nearly two-thirds of India's $1.25 billion in exports to Iran in the fiscal year-ended March

Indian rice exporters see Iranian demand defying US sanctions risk
Updated On : 26 Aug 2026 | 9:05 AM IST

4 India-based companies in US sanctions dragnet over Iran oil imports

The US has sanctioned four India-based companies for importing petroleum and petrochemical products from Iran, according to a press release by the US State Department. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday announced 'Operation Economic Outcast', which essentially involved new sanctions that aim to block all potential sources of revenue for Iran. The US has also told countries to cut economic ties with Tehran or face retaliation. Bessent described it as an unprecedented campaign to sever Iran's financial lifelines. It broadens the risk of secondary sanctions for entities - which can be countries, businesses or organisations - continuing to do business with Tehran. Among the four "India-based companies" facing action is a customs broker identified as Portease Partners LLP and its partners Indrismiya Ashrafmiya Sheikh and Harish Ramachandra Rangi. They facilitated the import of multiple shipments of Iranian petrochemical products, the State Department said in the release on ...

4 India-based companies in US sanctions dragnet over Iran oil imports
Updated On : 25 Aug 2026 | 3:07 PM IST

Dozens of Chinese, Hong Kong firms hit by Trump admin's Iran sanctions

US Treasury Dept unveiled a package targeting dozens of individuals and entities as part of what Treasury Secy Scott Bessent described as Operation Economic Outcast

Dozens of Chinese, Hong Kong firms hit by Trump admin's Iran sanctions
Updated On : 25 Aug 2026 | 12:00 PM IST

US attempt to strangle Iran's economy depends on China's cooperation

The US has spent 20 years promising 'crippling sanctions' on Iran. But the latest effort comes with a reverse twist, after military action failed to accomplish President Trump's goals

US attempt to strangle Iran's economy depends on China's cooperation
Updated On : 25 Aug 2026 | 8:08 AM IST

Iran vows retaliation as US expands sanctions, threatens economic lifeline

US Treasury Secy Scott Bessent unveiled measures but stopped short of the most punishing sanctions, saying countries that continued trading with Iran risked being forced out of dollar system

Iran vows retaliation as US expands sanctions, threatens economic lifeline
Updated On : 25 Aug 2026 | 7:51 AM IST

Bessent's economic D-Day threat to Iran hinges on willingness to hit China

But that's only if Bessent actually follows through on a threat the Trump administration has made before

Bessent's economic D-Day threat to Iran hinges on willingness to hit China
Updated On : 25 Aug 2026 | 7:49 AM IST

US unveils 'economic D-Day' against Iran, warns trade partners of sanctions

The statement marked the latest bid to force capitulation from Iran, which has refused to bow to US demands despite months of US bombing that began in February as well as decades of economic sanctions

US unveils 'economic D-Day' against Iran, warns trade partners of sanctions
Updated On : 25 Aug 2026 | 7:38 AM IST

US startup Powerus builds low-cost drone interceptors amid Iran war

For Florida-based Powerus, becoming a global supplier of counterdrone technology has meant involving the Trumps, a golf course and a new way of doing business

US startup Powerus builds low-cost drone interceptors amid Iran war
Updated On : 24 Aug 2026 | 8:36 AM IST

Vessels violating Hormuz protocols shall face fines, detention: Iran

The authority also warned that vessels cooperating with ships already listed as non-compliant would themselves be added to the list

Vessels violating Hormuz protocols shall face fines, detention: Iran
Updated On : 24 Aug 2026 | 7:33 AM IST

Not a single drop of oil will be exported if US economic war persists: Iran

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei warned that Iran would consider any country supporting or participating in US economic campaign against Tehran to be an 'act of war'

Not a single drop of oil will be exported if US economic war persists: Iran
Updated On : 24 Aug 2026 | 7:29 AM IST

Entering endgame: US Treasury secy announces economic D-Day against Iran

US Treasury Secy Scott Bessent said Washington was entering 'endgame' against Iran with major economic offensive, as Tehran warned it could halt oil exports through Hormuz

Entering endgame: US Treasury secy announces economic D-Day against Iran
Updated On : 24 Aug 2026 | 7:24 AM IST

Iran says Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir to visit Tehran on Monday

Pakistan has taken on a mediator role in negotiations between Iran ‌and the US aimed at ​ending the war which ​began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February

Iran says Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir to visit Tehran on Monday
Updated On : 23 Aug 2026 | 3:53 PM IST

US memorandum is best path out of stalled war, says Iranian President

Iran's president defended a memorandum of understanding with the United States as the best way out of a stalled war. Meanwhile, the new head of the Islamic Republic's top security body warned, in a more forceful tone, of retaliation if neighbouring countries support US threats to further sanction Tehran. A Palestinian man said he was beaten by an Israeli settler outside his home, and Israel's military said they were pursuing a stabbing suspect in a separate attack, the latest violence in the occupied West Bank. Here's a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Sunday. Iran's president says his country needs to get past current stall ------------------------------------------------------------------- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian defended a recent memorandum of understanding as the best way for the country to move beyond what he described as a situation of "neither war nor peace." In a speech published by state-run IRNA early on Sunday, h

US memorandum is best path out of stalled war, says Iranian President
Updated On : 23 Aug 2026 | 3:35 PM IST

Iran's decades-long war planning helped it withstand US-Israel strikes

Iran had prepared for a potential war with the US for four decades, including contingencies such as the loss of its top leadership, making it difficult for its adversaries to decimate the country, an Indian military expert has said. Speaking at an interactive session in Washington organised by Observer Research Foundation (ORF) America on Friday, retired Indian Army officer Lt General KJS Dhillon said Iran had retained the capability for "attritional warfare" despite suffering heavy losses in the conflict with the US and Israel. Dhillon, who previously served as the head of India's defence intelligence agency, said one of the key lessons from the war was the need for a clearly defined national aim and a well-planned exit strategy. "Before you initiate a war, knowing a few things beforehand are a must. Your declared national aim should be clear to yourself, your military and the people in the government. There should also be clarity on the end stage where one can declare victory," he

Iran's decades-long war planning helped it withstand US-Israel strikes
Updated On : 23 Aug 2026 | 1:33 PM IST

Iran security chief warns neighbours against joining US economic pressure

The new leader of Iran's top security body is threatening neighbours against joining new US efforts to squeeze Tehran's economy. Egypt is trying to revive Iran-US negotiations. And Iraq and Iran say Tehran has helped some ships carrying Iraqi oil to transit the Strait of Hormuz. France and Saudi Arabia are expected to discuss plans to bypass the waterway. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out strikes in Syria and in Gaza. Here's a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Saturday. Full coverage can be found here. Iran's new top security adviser issues threats ---------------------------------------------- The hard-line new leader of Iran's Supreme National Security Council threatened Tehran's neighbours against joining the new US effort to hurt Iran's economy, and accused the United States of increasing global nuclear insecurity with months of war. "If (Trump) wants to do something, we will retaliate in a seismic manner," he said in an interview w

Iran security chief warns neighbours against joining US economic pressure
Updated On : 23 Aug 2026 | 7:39 AM IST

US, Iran keep up hostile rhetoric ahead of new economic sanctions

s the war neared six months old, the two sides were not exchanging fire but also not pursuing peace talks

US, Iran keep up hostile rhetoric ahead of new economic sanctions
Updated On : 22 Aug 2026 | 2:11 PM IST