Page 31 - Latest Updates on West Asia Conflict

Chinese officials likely encouraged Iran to find path to ceasefire with US

China, which is Tehran's biggest trade partner, spoke with the Iranians to get them on board to look for a path toward a ceasefire in war with the US, sources said. Chinese officials were in touch with Iranian officials as the negotiations were evolving, two officials who were not authorised to comment publicly spoke on condition of anonymity. Beijing primarily had been working with intermediaries, including Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt, as it tried to use its influence, said one of the officials. The Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier Tuesday, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, said, "All parties need to demonstrate sincerity and quickly end this war that should not have happened in the first place." She said China was "deeply concerned" about the impact the conflict has on the world economy and energy security.

Iraq welcomes ceasefire between US and Iran, calls for 'serious' dialogue

Iraq also called for building on this positive step by launching serious and sustainable dialogue tracks that address the root causes of the disputes and enhance mutual trust

Iran claims 'historic victory' after Trump pauses attacks for 2 weeks

Iran's Supreme National Security Council claimed that the US pushed for a ceasefire for over a month, but Iran repeatedly rejected the deadlines, prioritising the country's objectives

Oil plunges, US futures jump as Trump pauses Iran attacks for 2 weeks

Oil prices plunged and US stock futures jumped after President Donald Trump said he would hold off on his threat of devastating attacks on Iran for two weeks if the Iranians agree to allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Futures for US crude oil sank 18% to around $92.60 while Brent crude oil futures fell about 6% to $103.40. Both prices remain well above where they were at the start of the war. Futures for the S&P 500 rose 2.4%. Trump said Iran has proposed a "workable" 10-point peace plan that could help end war the US and Israel launched on Feb 28.

US military halts all offensive operations against Iran: Official

The US military has halted all offensive operations against Iran, an official said. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive military operations, noted that defensive measures and operations would still be in effect. It comes after President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with the Islamic Republic.

Trump warns 'whole civilisation will die tonight' if Iran deal not reached

The latest warning comes amid escalating military action, with the United States carrying out strikes on targets in Iran earlier on Tuesday

Iran conflict may ease China deflation fears, dimming rate cut bets

Unlike most economies, China didn't see the sharp spurt in inflation that followed reopening from the pandemic

West Asia conflict: How ongoing war casts a shadow on Pune's shop floors

The West Asia conflict exposes fragile supply chains, rattling labour, fuel access, and MSME stability across Maharashtra

Multi-pronged strategy in works to tide over West Asia war impact

This may include a ₹2.5 trillion credit guarantee scheme to help businesses

The Covid lessons: West Asia conflict can also be used to usher in reforms

West Asia conflict may disrupt Budget 2026-27 projections, squeezing revenues and raising subsidies, prompting fiscal adjustments and potential reforms, echoing lessons from the Covid-era shock

Rewiring power for a new era: India's energy transition is too cautious

India imports more than 90 per cent of its oil needs and roughly half its gas requirements

Reducing import dependence: Renewable energy can play a significant role

It has been argued that India must push up the domestic production of fossil fuels, including oil and gas, along with diversifying sources of imports

Stay indoors, avoid military sites for 48 hours: India to citizens in Iran

The Indian Embassy in Iran has advised Indian nationals to remain indoors for the next 48 hours, avoid military and electrical installations, and stay in close contact with embassy

Iran rejects flexibility as long as US demands surrender, talks continue

He also warned that "if the situation gets out of control, Iran's allies will also close the Bab El-Mandeb Strait"

Turkish police kill gunman in shootout near Israeli consulate in Istanbul

The diplomatic mission is located in Levent, one of Istanbul's main financial districts, and surrounded by office towers, shopping malls and heavy foot traffic

US strikes Iran's Kharg Island ahead of Trump's deadline to open Hormuz

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of targeting Iran's infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, if Tehran does not agree to a deal

Oil hovers near $110 as Trump's Iran deadline looms over Hormuz reopening

Typically WTI trades at a discount to Brent, but this has reversed in a market where barrels for earlier delivery command a higher price

Beyond oil shock, Iran war is quietly straining India's financial system

A new report has flagged a delayed risk cycle for India from the US-Iran conflict, as liquidity tightens and cash-flow stress builds before defaults, even as headline indicators remain stable

'14 million ready to sacrifice lives': Iran Prez as Trump's deadline nears

The Iranian President said that he, too stands ready to be sacrificed for the country

Iran warns Bab al-Mandeb could shut: What it means for global trade routes

Iran's warning over a possible Bab al-Mandeb closure has raised concerns over global trade. The strategic strait carries oil and goods between Asia, Europe and West Asia