A tanker carrying Russian oil was hit by an explosion in the Black Sea, Turkey said. Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu said the blast occurred in the engine room after midnight. “It appears to be an externally caused explosion,” he said. Officials believe an unmanned surface vehicle carried out the attack. The ship, operated by a Turkish company, had loaded crude oil from Russia. The exact location was not confirmed, but reports said it was near the Bosphorus Strait. Authorities have sent teams to monitor the situation. Turkey warned earlier against rising tensions in the region. (PC: NDTV)

US President Donald Trump claimed Iran’s leadership suggested he could become the country’s next Supreme Leader, but he refused. Speaking at a Republican event, he said, “They’d like to make you the next supreme leader. No, thank you.” Trump also said talks to end the war are ongoing, though Iran denied any negotiations. Reports say the US sent a 15-point ceasefire plan through mediators, including Pakistan. The proposal includes ending Iran’s nuclear programme and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran rejected the plan and mocked Trump’s claims. Tehran instead shared its own conditions for ending the conflict. (PC: India Today)

Global oil prices rose after Iran ruled out direct negotiations with the United States. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said communications were only indirect via “friendly countries,” not formal talks. In response, Donald Trump claimed Iran was reluctant to publicly admit negotiations. Market reaction was immediate, with Brent crude rising 1.6% to $103.85 and West Texas Intermediate up 1.4% to $91.61. The price surge reflects investor concerns over prolonged geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around supply, especially amid disruptions linked to the wider Middle East conflict and constrained energy flows. (PC: BBC)

Iran’s sustained missile and drone campaign has rendered 13 US military bases across the Middle East largely unusable, forcing American troops into dispersed, makeshift operations. Key installations in Kuwait including Port Shuaiba, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Buehring suffered severe damage to infrastructure and fuel systems. Strikes also hit Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, as well as facilities in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The disruption has pushed US forces into “remote warfare,” reducing coordination and operational efficiency. Despite setbacks, Pete Hegseth said strikes on Iran continue. Experts warn the dispersal strategy weakens combat capability and exposes vulnerabilities in America’s regional military infrastructure. (PC: News18)

Donald Trump is exploring a diplomatic opening in the Iran war, with JD Vance potentially travelling to Pakistan for high-level talks. The move follows Iran’s refusal to engage with US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, prompting Islamabad to suggest Vance as a negotiator. While discussions are reportedly planned soon, details on timing, venue, and participants remain fluid. The White House has downplayed any formal shift in negotiation roles, maintaining that Vance regularly advises Trump on key matters. Iran, meanwhile, is pushing maximalist demands, including sanctions relief, security guarantees, and limits on US regional military presence. (PC: Times Now)

Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif mocked US war objectives, saying reopening the Strait of Hormuz now a stated goal was unnecessary as it was open before conflict. The strait, carrying about one-fifth of global oil and LNG, has seen a 95% drop in shipping after Iran restricted access following US–Israel strikes. Around 120 daily transits fell sharply, with only 155 crossings between March 1 and 25. Meanwhile, Iran rejected a US ceasefire plan, offering its own proposal demanding sovereignty over Hormuz, reparations, and security guarantees. Fighting continues, with over 1,500 deaths in Iran and widespread displacement across the region. (PC: NDTV)

Amid escalating West Asia tensions, US President Donald Trump claimed Iran signalled willingness to forgo nuclear weapons and offered a major oil and gas concession linked to the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian leaders including Masoud Pezeshkian rejected US ceasefire terms, demanding sanctions relief, closure of US bases and control over Hormuz. The waterway, critical for global energy, remains partially restricted, though Iran allows passage to countries like India. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif has offered to mediate talks, a move India declined, stressing it will not act as a go between. With ongoing strikes and disrupted energy infrastructure, global oil prices have surged, raising fears of prolonged economic instability worldwide concerns.

The White House said Donald Trump is ready to act strongly if Iran does not accept defeat. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump “does not bluff” and could “unleash hell”.   She warned Iran must accept the “reality of the current moment” or face stronger attacks.   Iran has rejected a US peace plan and called it “excessive”. Tehran said the war will end only on its own terms. “Iran will end the war when it decides to do so,” an official said.   The US plan included sanctions relief and limits on nuclear and missile programmes. Iran has also listed conditions, including control over the Strait of Hormuz. (PC: X)

Iran has rejected a US proposal to end the war and said any ceasefire will depend on its own terms. A senior official called the US plan “excessive”.   “Iran will end the war when it decides to do so,” the official said. Tehran added it will continue its defence and deliver “heavy blows” until conditions are met.   Iran listed five demands. These include ending US and Israeli attacks, guarantees against future action, and compensation for war losses. It also wants the conflict to end across all fronts and its rights over the Strait of Hormuz recognised.   The US plan reportedly included sanctions relief and limits on Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes. (PC: NDTV)

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it targeted a US F-18 fighter jet during the ongoing conflict. It shared a video that appears to show a midair strike. The footage shows a flash near the jet and possible damage. It also suggests the pilot may have ejected. Iran did not give details about the location or damage. The US military quickly denied the claim. Central Command said no US aircraft was shot down. There is no independent proof of the video. Similar claims were made earlier by Iran. The US had rejected those too. Tensions between both countries continue to rise in the region.