Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:22am on 22 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Former Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit has triggered controversy after suggesting that Pakistan could target Indian cities like Mumbai and New Delhi if the United States attacked its nuclear facilities. Speaking during a discussion on a hypothetical conflict, Basit said Pakistan would have “no other option” but to retaliate against India in such a scenario. He described the situation as unlikely but repeatedly referenced striking major Indian cities. The remarks have drawn widespread attention due to his past diplomatic role and come amid heightened regional tensions, though no official response from India has been reported yet. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:14am on 22 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Multiple explosions were reported across Tehran as Israel escalated its air campaign, targeting Iranian military and strategic sites in a major intensification of the ongoing conflict. At the same time, Iran launched fresh waves of ballistic missiles and drones across the region, including toward the United Arab Emirates. UAE air defence systems successfully intercepted several incoming threats, with loud blasts reported as interceptions occurred. The widening conflict now spans multiple countries, disrupting energy infrastructure and global oil flows, while raising fears of a broader regional war involving the US and its allies. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:08am on 22 Mar 2026,Sunday International
US President Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to Iran, threatening to “obliterate” its power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours. The strategic waterway, which carries nearly 20% of global oil supply, has been severely disrupted amid escalating conflict. Trump demanded unrestricted shipping access, warning of immediate military action targeting major energy infrastructure if Iran fails to comply. Iran responded by threatening retaliation against US and allied infrastructure in the region. The standoff has intensified global tensions, driven oil price spikes, and raised fears of a broader regional war. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:03am on 22 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles targeting southern Israeli towns, including Dimona and Arad, near a key nuclear research facility. Dramatic visuals showed massive “fireballs” lighting up the night sky as missiles struck residential areas. Israeli air defence systems reportedly failed to intercept some projectiles, leading to direct hits, explosions, and fires. Over 100 people were injured, including civilians and children, with several in critical condition. The strikes are seen as retaliation for earlier attacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict. Despite the proximity of the strikes, international monitors said there were no signs of radiation leaks from Israel’s nuclear site, though global concern is rising.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:52am on 22 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Amid intensifying conflict in the Middle East, the United Kingdom has reportedly deployed its nuclear-powered submarine HMS Anson to the northern Arabian Sea. Equipped with Tomahawk cruise missiles, the submarine provides Britain with long-range strike capability if the situation escalates further. The move comes as tensions rise between Iran and a US-Israel-led alliance, with ongoing missile exchanges and threats to key global energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz. While the report cites military sources, official confirmation remains limited. The deployment signals increased Western military readiness and raises concerns about a broader regional or global escalation of the ongoing war. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:09am on 22 Mar 2026,Sunday International
Iran launched missile strikes on southern Israeli towns, including Dimona and Arad, areas near Israel’s key nuclear facility, in a sharp escalation of the ongoing conflict. The attack came in retaliation for earlier US-Israeli strikes on Iran’s Natanz nuclear site. Dozens of civilians were injured and buildings damaged as some missiles evaded air defence systems. Iran claimed it targeted military and nuclear-linked sites, while Israel vowed further retaliation. Despite the proximity to sensitive nuclear infrastructure, international monitors reported no radiation leaks. The tit-for-tat strikes mark a dangerous expansion of the conflict, raising fears of a wider regional war. (PC: Reuters)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:27pm on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday International
An Iranian missile strike on an Israeli town has injured at least 39 people. The attack hit Dimona, near a nuclear facility. Iran said the strike was a “response” to attacks on its nuclear sites. Earlier, Israel said it had struck a facility in Tehran linked to nuclear work. Iran also reported a strike on its Bushehr airport. The United States said it has hit more than 8,000 targets in Iran and weakened its navy. Both sides have continued attacks on key sites. The fighting has raised fears of a wider conflict across the region. Global leaders have called for restraint. (PC: X)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:24pm on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday International
Iran has accused the United States and Israel of targeting civilian vessels in the Gulf. Officials said airstrikes hit private ships and passenger vessels. The Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters called the actions “despicable attacks.” It warned of a “harsh response” if such strikes continue. No details of the incidents were shared. The claims come as the conflict enters its fourth week. Tensions remain high after repeated military exchanges. Iran also reported a strike on its Natanz nuclear site but said there was no radiation risk. Fighting has continued across the Gulf, raising concerns over safety of shipping and energy routes. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:20pm on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday International
The United States says Iran’s ability to threaten ships in the Strait of Hormuz has been “degraded” after bombing an underground missile site. US Central Command shared the update this week. The development comes as tensions rise in the region. Iran fired a missile at Dimona in southern Israel, injuring at least 47 people. The target was near a nuclear facility. Earlier, Israel struck Iran’s Natanz nuclear site. Tehran said there was no danger to nearby areas. Despite the damage, Iranian forces have continued attacks in the Gulf. G7 foreign ministers have called for an “immediate” end to strikes and warned about risks to global energy supply. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:00pm on 21 Mar 2026,Saturday India
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said rising fuel prices may impact airlines from April 1. He said, “The impact might be visible from April 1.” Aviation fuel makes up a large part of airline costs. Higher global oil prices are increasing expenses. Airlines have already started adding fuel surcharges on tickets. Naidu said the government is in talks with airlines and other ministries. He added, “We want to ensure safe operations.” Officials said they will try to limit the burden on passengers. Airlines are also taking longer routes, which increases fuel use. Ticket prices may rise in the coming weeks. (PC: PTI)