Pakistan has raised petrol and high-speed diesel prices by PKR 55 per litre, marking the largest fuel price increase in the country’s history. The hike comes as global oil prices surge due to escalating tensions in West Asia following the conflict involving Iran and the US-Israel alliance. After the increase, petrol now costs PKR 321.17 per litre, while diesel has risen to PKR 335.86 per litre. The government said the move was unavoidable due to rising international crude prices and potential supply disruptions. Long queues were reported at fuel stations as people rushed to buy fuel before the price hike. Authorities warned against hoarding and said prices may now be reviewed weekly amid ongoing market volatility. (PC: X)

The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate, with fresh airstrikes reported in Tehran and parts of Lebanon. Israeli forces targeted military sites and Hezbollah-linked positions, while Iran retaliated with missiles and drones toward Israel and Gulf states. The conflict intensified after a joint U.S.–Israeli strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering wider regional tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out negotiations and demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while also signaling involvement in selecting Iran’s next leadership. Meanwhile, evacuations and security alerts have increased across the Middle East as the conflict threatens regional stability and global energy routes. (PC: AFP)

The U.S. Department of Justice has released additional documents from the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including FBI interview summaries containing allegations involving former U.S. President Donald Trump. The files include a 2019 interview with a woman who claimed Epstein introduced her to Trump in the 1980s when she was a teenager and alleged Trump attempted to sexually assault her. Officials said the records had previously been withheld because of a coding error that mistakenly marked them as duplicates. Authorities stressed the accusations remain unverified and uncorroborated. Trump and his representatives have strongly denied the claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated. (PC: CNN)

Russia has reportedly provided Iran with intelligence that could help it target U.S. military forces in the Middle East, according to U.S. officials cited in reports. The intelligence allegedly includes locations and movements of American warships, aircraft, and other military assets in the region. Officials believe the information-sharing began after tensions between Washington and Tehran sharply escalated. Analysts say the data may have improved Iran’s ability to track and potentially strike U.S. forces using missiles or drones. The development signals growing strategic cooperation between Moscow and Tehran and raises concerns in Washington that the conflict could widen if global powers become indirectly involved. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies. Trump said Washington would not accept negotiations unless Tehran fully capitulates and dismantles its military and nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, strongly rejected Trump’s remarks suggesting the U.S. could influence the selection of Iran’s next leader following the death of Ali Khamenei. The envoy called the comments a violation of international law and the UN Charter, insisting Iran will never allow foreign interference in its internal political process. (PC: The Hindu)

India confirmed that it interned the Iranian Navy landing ship IRIS Lavan at the naval base in Kochi on March 4 after the vessel requested refuge following escalating tensions in the region. The ship, carrying around 183 crew members, had earlier taken part in international naval events hosted by India and later sought emergency docking due to technical issues. Indian authorities permitted the docking and arranged accommodation for the crew at naval facilities. The development comes amid heightened conflict involving Iran and the United States in regional waters, including recent attacks on Iranian naval assets.

An Indian-origin woman serving in the US Army has criticised protests in India supporting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei after his death in US-Israel strikes. In an Instagram video, Shilpa Chaudhary questioned how demonstrations in India would help protesters and warned they could damage the country’s global reputation. She said she opposed radicalism and urged people to think about how their actions are perceived internationally. Chaudhary also claimed many Iranians were celebrating Khamenei’s death, arguing that such reactions reflect public dissatisfaction with his rule. Her comments come amid rising tensions in the Middle East following the killing of Khamenei and subsequent Iranian retaliation against US and Israeli targets across the region.

The United States has asked India to buy stored Russian oil to help stabilise global energy markets as the Middle East war disrupts supplies. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the move would shift crude into Indian refineries and reduce pressure on other global refineries, easing rising prices. Oil markets have been rattled by the conflict involving US and Israeli strikes on Iran and threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor. With Gulf supplies under threat and limited short-term options, Washington sees India as a crucial partner due to its large refining capacity and continued purchases of discounted Russian oil after sanctions on Moscow.

Shashi Tharoor said India is unlikely to join the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran militarily but cannot remain indifferent to its consequences. Speaking about the crisis, he stressed that New Delhi’s priority should be pushing for diplomacy and de-escalation to end the war quickly. Tharoor noted that the conflict directly affects India because around nine to ten million Indians live and work in Gulf countries, with many already facing travel disruptions and economic uncertainty. He also addressed the US decision to grant India a temporary waiver allowing purchases of Russian oil, saying it offers practical relief to Indian refiners from sanctions. According to Tharoor, India is carefully balancing diplomacy while safeguarding national interests.

Iran has urged India to question the United States over attacks on Iranian vessels in the Indian Ocean. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Tehran is a “responsible power” and has not blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict. His remarks came after the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena was sunk by a US submarine near the coast of Sri Lanka. Khatibzadeh described the attacks on Iran as being “based on a lie” and stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolving the escalating US-Iran conflict in the region.