US President Donald Trump sparked discomfort during a White House meeting with Sanae Takaichi by jokingly referencing the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack while answering why Japan and other allies were not informed before recent US strikes on Iran. Trump praised Takaichi’s English, but his remark — “Who knows better about surprise than Japan? Why didn’t you tell me about Pearl Harbor?” — drew an uneasy reaction from the Japanese leader and observers. The comment overshadowed discussions on diplomatic cooperation and regional security amid ongoing Middle East tensions. (PC: India Today)

Iran has issued a stark warning that it will show “zero restraint” if its energy infrastructure faces further attacks, escalating tensions in the Middle East conflict. This declaration follows an Israeli strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field—one of the world’s largest energy sites—and Iran’s subsequent retaliatory attacks on Gulf energy facilities, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub, which knocked out a significant portion of its export capacity and disrupted global markets. The warning underscores Tehran’s readiness to expand its retaliation and adds to mounting concerns over regional conflict spreading and further destabilising global energy supplies. (PC: The Guardian)

Iranian forces have repeatedly targeted Kuwait’s key Mina Al‑Ahmadi oil refinery, striking it again with drone attacks that sparked fires in multiple units amid the broader US–Israel–Iran war escalation. Fire crews worked to contain blazes, and no casualties have been reported, though parts of the facility were shut down as a precaution. The refinery had been hit the previous day, marking a second consecutive attack on critical Gulf energy infrastructure. These strikes come as Iran intensifies retaliatory assaults on regional energy sites following Israeli bombardment of its South Pars gas field, deepening tensions and threatening global supply stability. (PC: X)

A dispute has emerged between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump following Israel’s strike on Iran’s South Pars gas field. Trump stated the US was unaware of the attack and urged Netanyahu to refrain from further strikes, signaling a rift in US‑Israel coordination. Israeli officials claim they had informed Washington prior to the operation, highlighting conflicting narratives. The disagreement underscores tension over strategy and communication between the two nations amid escalating Iran-Israel hostilities, raising questions about alignment on military actions targeting critical energy infrastructure in the region. (PC: X)

Iran has announced the creation of a designated maritime corridor to ensure the safe passage of India‑bound commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade. This step comes amid heightened Middle East tensions and recent threats to shipping linked to the Iran‑Israel conflict. The corridor is intended to protect Indian‑flagged tankers carrying LPG and other energy cargo, safeguarding crews and shipments while maintaining steady energy supplies to India. The move highlights growing diplomatic coordination between New Delhi and Tehran to secure maritime trade routes in a volatile region. (PC: X)

Iranian strikes on Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities have halted about 17% of Qatar’s LNG export capacity, forcing shutdowns that could last three to five years and causing significant financial losses. QatarEnergy declared force majeure on several long-term LNG contracts. Major importers including Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China face reduced gas supplies, higher energy prices, and disruptions in related products such as LPG, condensate, and helium. The attack highlights the vulnerability of global energy markets amid escalating Middle East tensions. (PC: NDTV)

Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will pause further strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field after a request from Donald Trump. The move follows recent attacks that heightened tensions across the Middle East and raised concerns over global energy supplies. Iran had responded by targeting key infrastructure in the Gulf region, increasing fears of wider conflict. The South Pars field is crucial for global gas production, making the situation sensitive. While the pause may ease immediate tensions, uncertainty remains as both sides stay on alert. (PC: AFP)

A French naval officer accidentally revealed the location of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle after uploading a workout on Strava. The geotagged data exposed the warship’s position in the Mediterranean Sea near Cyprus during heightened Middle East tensions involving Iran. The breach triggered serious security concerns, as the carrier plays a crucial role in France’s military operations. Authorities termed it a violation of operational security protocols and assured corrective measures, highlighting growing risks posed by fitness tracking apps in sensitive defense environments. (PC: India Today)

A US F-35 stealth fighter jet made an emergency landing at a Middle East airbase after reportedly being struck by Iranian fire during a combat mission over Iran. US Central Command confirmed the aircraft landed safely and the pilot is in stable condition, while an investigation is ongoing. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed its air defence systems hit and “seriously damaged” the jet, potentially marking the first such strike on a US aircraft in the ongoing conflict. The incident highlights rising risks despite US claims of air superiority, as tensions continue to escalate in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran can no longer enrich uranium or develop ballistic missiles after sustained US-Israel strikes on key nuclear and military sites. He claimed critical infrastructure, including enrichment facilities and missile production units, has been severely damaged. However, independent verification of these claims remains unavailable. Despite this, Iran continues launching missile and drone attacks, suggesting residual military capability. The statement comes as tensions escalate across the Middle East, with concerns rising over regional instability, energy security, and the potential for a prolonged and wider conflict involving global powers.