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)

The first trailer of the Harry Potter TV series has been released, showing scenes from the Dursleys’ home to Hogwarts. It features new actors as Harry, Ron and Hermione, along with key characters like Snape and Dumbledore. The show follows the first book, Philosopher’s Stone, and includes familiar moments and some new scenes. The series will stream on HBO Max from Christmas 2026. Actor Dominic McLaughlin plays Harry. Author J. K. Rowling is an executive producer. HBO says it will be a “faithful adaptation” of the books. 

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)

India has accelerated oil and LPG import deals to counter supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India now sources energy from 41 countries, up from 27 earlier, reflecting diversification efforts. Negotiations are underway with suppliers including Russia and the United States. Despite disruptions affecting nearly 40% of imports via Hormuz, the government maintains there is no immediate shortage, citing 74 days of reserves. LPG production has been increased and strategic reserves remain robust, even as global supply constraints and rising prices continue to pressure energy markets. (PC: NDTV)

Iran has allowed “friendly nations,” including India, China, Russia, Pakistan and Iraq, limited access through the Strait of Hormuz amid its conflict with the US. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said passage is restricted to “non-hostile” vessels coordinating with Iranian authorities. The partial reopening comes as global energy markets reel from disruptions caused by the strait’s closure. India confirmed safe transit of its LPG carriers, easing immediate supply concerns. Meanwhile, Tehran is pushing demands for sovereignty over Hormuz and considering toll charges, as global powers and the UN urge restoration of full maritime flow.

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)

Amid an LPG shortage triggered by disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, India has turned to Argentina for support, marking a new phase in energy cooperation. Argentina exported 50,000 tonnes of LPG to India in early 2026, more than double its 2025 supply, with shipments from Bahia Blanca travelling nearly 20,000 km to Gujarat’s Dahej port. The crisis has pushed India to diversify sourcing beyond traditional routes, now extending to over 40 countries. While logistical challenges persist, the partnership is strategically significant. Domestically, India has increased LPG allocation and accelerated the shift to piped natural gas to stabilise supply and strengthen long-term energy security. (PC: Reuters)

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)