Global oil prices rose sharply and Asian markets fell as the US-Israel war with Iran entered its fifth week. Brent crude climbed over $115 a barrel, while US oil reached $101.62. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.8%, and South Korea’s Kospi fell nearly 3%. Tensions increased after Houthi strikes on Israel and threats by Iran to widen attacks. Concerns over supply grew as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed. Shipping expert Lars Jensen warned the impact could be “substantially larger” than the 1970s crisis. He said, “We need to keep in mind” delays in supply are still affecting markets. (PC: BBC)

A new US missile, not tested in combat before, was likely used in a strike on a school in Iran’s Lamerd, a report said. The February 28 attack came on the first day of the war. The same day, a US Tomahawk missile hit a school in Minab, killing 175 people.   The report said damage at the Lamerd site matched the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The weapon explodes above targets and releases metal pellets.   The US military confirmed PrSM was used in the war for the first time. But it has not confirmed if it was used in Lamerd.

US troop levels in West Asia have crossed 57,000 amid the war with Iran. This is the largest build-up since 2003. Around 5,000 troops arrived last week, including 2,500 Marines and units from the 82nd Airborne. They joined forces already deployed across the region. The Pentagon is also planning to send about 10,000 more troops, according to reports. The USS Tripoli carries about 3,500 Marines. US troops are stationed in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, along with naval forces at sea. (PC: NDTV)

Balendra Shah has launched major reforms days after taking office. He banned student politics on campuses and said education must be free from party control. He plans non-political student bodies within 90 days. Critics warn it may limit democratic space. His government also barred civil servants from party links. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested over last year’s protests. Shah said justice will be ensured. Families of students killed in the protests will get jobs. In a message to Narendra Modi, he said he is “eager to work closely,” signaling a cautious reset in ties. (PC: India Today)

Donald Trump said the US could take control of Iran’s key oil hub, Kharg Island, but added a deal could come “fairly quickly.” Speaking to Financial Times, he said the US could “easily” take the island and “take the oil.” He also said US strikes hit “many long sought-after targets” in Iran on Sunday. Israel said it is carrying out fresh attacks on Tehran. Iran’s parliament speaker warned forces are “waiting” for US ground troops. Oil prices rose above $115. In the UK, Keir Starmer will meet business leaders to discuss the impact. (PC: BBC)

Donald Trump is considering a high-risk military operation to extract nearly 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium from Iran, targeting key sites such as Isfahan Nuclear Facility and Natanz Nuclear Facility. The plan, aimed at preventing Iran’s nuclear capability, may involve special forces entering Iranian territory under significant threat. Officials stress no final decision has been made, though the Pentagon is preparing options. Experts warn such a mission could escalate the conflict and trigger retaliation. Meanwhile, indirect diplomatic efforts involving regional mediators continue, with the US preferring Iran to surrender the material voluntarily. (PC: X)

Authorities in Australia’s Victoria and Tasmania have made public transport free to counter soaring fuel prices triggered by the West Asia conflict and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. Victoria will offer free travel across trains, trams, and buses throughout April, while Tasmania will extend the measure until the end of June. The policy aims to reduce pressure on fuel demand and household costs. Other states like New South Wales have declined similar steps, citing long-term concerns. Petrol prices have surged sharply, reflecting global oil market volatility, prompting governments worldwide to adopt fuel-saving strategies. (PC: BBC)

Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written message thanking Iraq and its top cleric Ali Sistani for supporting Iran during the ongoing conflict, but his continued absence from public view has intensified speculation about his condition. Since assuming leadership after Ali Khamenei’s death, he has not appeared publicly, with communications limited to written statements read by others. Officials suggest he may be recovering from injuries, though unconfirmed. Donald Trump has cast doubt on his status. The lack of visibility raises questions about leadership stability amid escalating regional tensions. (PC: X)

Donald Trump said the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran has effectively resulted in a “regime change,” citing the killing of several Iranian leaders and emergence of new leadership. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he expressed confidence that a deal with Iran could still be reached, stating negotiations were likely despite the escalation. Trump described the current Iranian leadership as fundamentally different from the past, framing the shift as a significant political transformation. However, there has been no official confirmation from Tehran acknowledging any regime change, and the situation remains fluid amid continued military tensions and uncertainty over diplomatic outcomes. (PC: AP)

Donald Trump said the United States could seize Iran’s oil and potentially take control of Kharg Island, a key export hub handling most of Tehran’s crude shipments. He suggested a prolonged presence may be required, even as experts warned such a move could endanger US troops and extend the conflict. Trump claimed indirect talks with Iran were progressing and set an April 6 deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. He also alleged increased tanker passage as a “gift” authorised by Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Tehran has not confirmed these claims, while tensions and risks to global energy supply continue to rise. (PC: NDTV)