Page 34 - Latest Updates on West Asia Conflict

Trump expresses 'disappointment' with Nato allies; lauds King Charles III

The King also reaffirmed support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, noting that enduring partnerships between Europe and North America are essential to maintaining global stability

Hegseth faces tough questions on Iran war in first congressional appearance

Making his first appearance before Congress since the Trump administration went to war against Iran, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced withering questioning Wednesday from sceptical Democrats over a costly conflict being waged without congressional approval. The war has cost USD 25 billion so far, according to Pentagon numbers presented to the House Armed Services Committee during a contentious hearing ostensibly focused on the administration's 2027 military budget proposal. It would boost defence spending to a historic USD 1.5 trillion. While Republicans focused on the details of military budgeting and voiced support for the Iran operation, Democrats grilled Hegseth and Gen Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, about the ballooning costs of the war, the huge drawdown of critical US munitions and the bombing of a school that killed children. Some lawmakers also questioned President Donald Trump's dealings with allies and his shifting justification for the ...

Pentagon says Iran war cost $25 bn so far amid heated Congress hearing

Democratic lawmakers cast the conflict as a costly war of choice that President Donald Trump blundered into without a clear plan

Trump rejects Iran's Hormuz offer, to keep blockade until deal is reached

Trump said he had rejected a recent proposal from Iran to reopen the strait but that would have delayed talks on the nuclear issue until later

Better get smart soon: Trump warns Iran on nuclear deal amid stalled talks

The President's remarks come at a time of heightened regional tension and a continued diplomatic stalemate

Remain structurally bullish on India despite headwinds: Ben Powell, BlackRock

The long-term story as regards India -demographics, reforms, digitalization, and improving efficiency- remains intact, Powell said.

Hormuz must not be used as 'bargaining chip': Qatar amid stalled talks

The spokesperson's remarks come at a critical juncture as efforts to bridge the gap between the US and Iran continue to stall

Iran proposes 3-stage plan to reopen Hormuz in exchange for US blockade end

The strategic overture seeks to dismantle the current geopolitical stalemate and revitalise stalled negotiations

Trump unhappy with peace proposal, says Iran 'figuring out its leadership'

Iran's most recent offer for resolving the two-month war would set aside discussion of its nuclear programme until the conflict was concluded and shipping disputes resolved

West Asia war impact managed well, but some concerns remain: Madan Sabnavis

More importantly, the inflation has been kept under control as of now with the government absorbing a large part of the crude oil cost increase.

Iran war completes 2 months: Nifty targets cut amid oil, inflation risks

Brokerages have cut Nifty targets by around 4% per cent since February 28 as Iran war keeps oil prices high, raising inflation, GDP, and earnings concerns for Indian stock markets

'Do not consider the war over', says Iran Army spokesman Amir Akraminia

According to Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, Army spokesperson Amir Akraminia said that the situation remains active from a military standpoint

Brent at $114: Why inventory drawdowns are resetting crude's floor

Brent near $114 signals tight supply as inventories plunge. Backwardation, outages, and demand risks amid Iran war may reset crude's floor to $75-80, says Anindya Banerjee of Kotak Securities

Two months of West Asia war: 4 lessons for India from US-Iran conflict

An important lesson from the history of geopolitical conflicts, including wars, is that their impact on the stock market is short-lived.

Oil outlook: Prolonged Iran war, Hormuz disruption may keep Brent near $90

Prolonged Strait of Hormuz disruption may keep oil prices higher for longer, says Mohammed Imran of Mirae Asset Sharekhan. He forecasts Brent at $90 in Q4-CY26; risks skew to $120 on supply shock

US sanctions Iran's 35 'shadow banking' architecture under Op Economic Fury

The move aims to choke off a financial lifeline that has moved tens of billions of dollars to fund the Iranian regime's armed forces, missile programs, and regional terrorist proxies

Best of BS Opinion: India's FTA with New Zealand shows agile deal-making

From India's FTA strategy and Sun Pharma's global ambitions to LPG shortages, West Asia risks and Asean ties, here are the key insights from today's Opinion page

West Asia war: Dollar strength took sheen off gold, silver's safe haven image

Liquidity dynamics have also played a role. In volatile markets, investors often sell gold and silver to raise cash or meet margin calls, creating temporary downward pressure on precious metals.

UAE to walk out of Opec, Opec+; India may gain from supply shifts

The UAE, with capacity of around 4.8 million barrels per day, has long been one of the most influential and compliant members of Opec+, and is currently the fourth-largest producer in the alliance

Trump claims Iran has just 'informed the US it's in a State of Collapse'

Trump claimed Iran has just' informed the US it's in a State of Collapse. "They want us to "Open the Hormuz Strait," as soon as possible, as they try to figure out their leadership situation," Trump posted on social media. He added that he believes they will be able to sort out reported divisions within the Islamic Republic government about negotiations with the US. The White House did not immediately respond to questions about who on the Iranian side delivered the message, who in the Republican administration received it and whether the communications were conducted directly with the US or through an intermediary.