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.

Signs of division are emerging in Iran’s leadership as the war with the US and Israel continues. President Masoud Pezeshkian faced backlash after apologising for Iran’s strikes on Gulf countries. He later withdrew the apology, saying his remarks were “misinterpreted by the enemy that seeks to sow division.” Hardliners, including parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticised the apology as weak. At the same time, Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as supreme leader has triggered debate within Iran’s establishment. Some clerics opposed the move, arguing that a father-to-son succession contradicts the ideals of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Analysts say the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps played a decisive role in pushing his appointment. (PC: India Today)

Former UAE Ambassador to India Hussain Hassan Mirza said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could help ease the Iran–Israel conflict. He said Modi commands respect across the region and has credibility with both sides. “One phone call from Mr Modi to the counterparts in Iran and Israel can solve this issue, can end this issue,” Mirza told NDTV. He also said the United Arab Emirates does not want to be involved in the conflict. “There is no reason for the UAE to be involved in this,” he said. Mirza noted the UAE has relations with both Iran and Israel and could help mediation. The fighting continued on Monday with new Israeli strikes reported in Iran. (PC: NDTV)

Indonesia has signed an agreement with India to procure the BrahMos missile system, a defence ministry spokesperson said on Monday. The deal is part of Jakarta’s effort to modernise its military hardware, especially in the maritime sector. Spokesperson Rico Ricardo Sirait said the agreement aims to improve Indonesia’s defence capabilities. “It is part of the modernisation of military hardware and defence capabilities, especially in the maritime sector,” he said. He did not confirm the value of the deal. Earlier discussions suggested it could be worth between $200 million and $350 million. BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia. India previously exported the system to the Philippines in 2022. (PC: X)

Long queues formed outside LPG agencies in several parts of India as the Iran war raised fears of supply disruption. In some areas, people reported buying cylinders on the black market for up to Rs 1,500. Officials said there is no nationwide shortage of cooking gas in India. Government sources said the country has adequate LPG stocks and households should not panic. “India has sufficient LPG supplies and strategic reserves to manage the situation,” officials said. Bookings have risen by about 15–20% in some regions in recent days. Oil companies also increased the waiting period between bookings to control hoarding. Officials said India is exploring imports from other countries to ensure steady supply. (PC: India Today)

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia will continue to support Iran during the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. He described Moscow’s backing as “unwavering” and expressed solidarity with Tehran. “I wish to confirm unwavering support for Tehran and solidarity with our Iranian friends,” Putin said. He also congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei after Iran named him the country’s new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Putin said he was confident the new leader would continue his father’s work “with honour.” The Kremlin also repeated Russia’s call to stop hostilities. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Moscow for its support and solidarity with Iran. (PC: HT)