France will deploy nearly a dozen naval vessels, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, to the Mediterranean and Red Sea as tensions escalate in the Middle East. President Emmanuel Macron said the move aims to support allies and ensure maritime security as the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran disrupts shipping routes and pushes oil prices higher. France is also considering a defensive escort mission for commercial ships through the strategic Strait of Hormuz once the most intense phase of the conflict subsides. The deployment includes warships, an aircraft carrier strike group and helicopter carriers to protect navigation and reinforce European security efforts in the region. (PC: Reuters)

Former United Arab Emirates ambassador to India, Hussain Hassan Mirza, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could play a key diplomatic role in easing tensions between Israel and Iran. In an interview, Mirza suggested that Modi’s strong relations with both countries might allow him to help de-escalate the conflict through direct communication. He also highlighted India’s significant presence in the UAE, where more than 3.5 million Indians live and contribute to the country’s economy. Mirza added that Gulf countries, including the UAE, are trying to prevent the conflict from spreading across the region while strengthening their defence against missile and drone threats. (PC: X)

The government of India has decided not to increase retail petrol prices even as global crude oil prices crossed $100 per barrel amid geopolitical tensions. According to official sources, the move aims to shield consumers from rising fuel costs during the ongoing global energy uncertainty. At the same time, authorities have tightened LPG distribution rules by increasing the minimum gap for booking a domestic refill from 21 days to 25 days. The measure is intended to prevent hoarding and ensure fair supply of cooking gas cylinders across the country. (PC: X)

Anthropic has filed a lawsuit against the administration of Donald Trump after being officially labelled a “supply chain risk” by the US government. The artificial intelligence company says the designation was imposed because it refused to allow unrestricted military use of its technology. Anthropic argues that the move unfairly harms its reputation and business operations. The case highlights growing tensions between AI companies and governments over the use of advanced artificial intelligence in military and national security applications. (PC: X)

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesman Ebrahim Zolfighari warned that the escalating conflict with the United States could drive global oil prices to $200 per barrel. He accused Washington of opening a “new chapter” in the war by targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure. Reports say strikes backed by the US and Israel hit fuel storage and refinery facilities near Tehran, including sites in Shahr-e Rey, Shahran and Karaj. The attacks signal a shift toward economic and energy targets, raising fears of supply disruptions through the critical Strait of Hormuz and further volatility in global energy markets.

Panic buying of cooking gas cylinders has been reported in several parts of India as the war involving Iran raises fears of supply disruptions through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Long queues were seen outside LPG agencies in cities such as Noida, while some consumers reported buying cylinders on the black market for up to ₹1,500. However, the government has denied any nationwide shortage and said the country has adequate reserves. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured that supplies remain stable, attributing the rush to panic bookings and temporary booking restrictions introduced to prevent hoarding.

Donald Trump has urged Australia to grant asylum to the Iran women's national football team, warning the players could face severe consequences if forced to return to Iran. The appeal came after the team refused to sing their national anthem before a match in the AFC Women's Asian Cup, reportedly leading to them being labelled “wartime traitors.” Trump asked Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to reconsider deporting the players, calling it a potential humanitarian mistake. He also said the United States would be willing to offer refuge if Australia declined. Player union FIFPRO has raised concerns about the team’s safety if they return home.

The escalating conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered a massive surge in global gold prices, pushing the value of all above-ground Gold to an estimated $30–$35 trillion. International gold benchmarks climbed above $5,400 per ounce and briefly approached $5,600 as investors rushed to the traditional safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainty. The rally has been driven by war fears, inflation concerns and strong central-bank buying. Analysts say the metal’s notional value now exceeds the combined GDP of India and the United Kingdom, though some warn prices could ease if geopolitical tensions de-escalate. (PC: NDTV)

Abbas Araqchi, the Foreign Minister of Iran, criticised the United States over its military campaign, calling the operation an “Epic Mistake.” He accused Donald Trump of plotting strikes on Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities in an attempt to contain global inflation caused by surging oil prices. Araqchi said Tehran was fully prepared to respond to any escalation and warned Washington against further aggression. The remarks come as the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel continues to intensify, with missile attacks and airstrikes reported across multiple locations in the Middle East.

G7 nations will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss rising oil prices and falling stock markets linked to the US-Israel war with Iran. Finance ministers from major economies will review the impact of the conflict on global energy supply. Oil prices crossed $100 a barrel as fears grew over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil usually moves through the route, but shipping has slowed since the war began. Brent crude briefly rose close to $120 before easing. Officials may also discuss releasing oil from emergency reserves through the International Energy Agency. Analysts say a longer conflict could keep markets under pressure.