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Friday, March 6, 2026

‘Buy That Oil’: US Explains Why India Can Import Russian Crude Again

US energy secretary Chris Wright on Friday explained the reasoning behind “allowing” India to buy Russian oil, calling it a temporary measure aimed at easing the pressure on the crude market due to the conflict with Iran. The 30-day waiver for India was announced earlier by US treasury secretary Scott Bessent. Wright said it was a “practical way” to get the supply flowing. “We have implemented short-term measures to help keep oil prices down. We are allowing our friends in India to take oil that is already on ships, refine it, and move those barrels into the market quickly. A practical way to get supply flowing and ease pressure,” Wright said in a post on X. Speaking to ABC News, the energy secretary said that it wasn't a policy change towards Russia but just a short-term measure. “We reached out to our friends in India and said, ‘Buy that oil and bring it into your refineries, ’” he said in the interview. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> We have implemented short term measures to help keep oil prices down. We are allowing our friends in India to take oil that is already on ships, refine it, and move those barrels into the market quickly. A practical way to get supply flowing and ease pressure. <a href="https://t.co/Y0i5wpxkcb">pic.twitter.com/Y0i5wpxkcb</a> — Secretary Chris Wright (@SecretaryWright) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecretaryWright/status/2029927404529926477?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> The US doesn't want India buying Russian oil in normal times and has even imposed a 25 per cent tariff on New Delhi for doing so. The tariff was removed early last month after US President Donald Trump said that India had agreed not to buy crude oil from Moscow. <h2>Why The Reprieve Now?</h2> The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, killing the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Since then, the conflict has escalated and engulfed the entire West Asia. Iranian retaliatory attacks have forced the closure of several oil and gas fields in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, which is the route for one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, is effectively closed due to security threats. All this has made oil prices shoot up, so the US needed to step in. <h2>What Scott Bessent Said On The 30-Day Waiver For India</h2> Amid the escalating conflict with Iran, US treasury secretary Scott Bessent said on Thursday, "President (Donald) Trump's energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil." "India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of US oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate the pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage," Bessent said in a post on X. This "deliberately short-term measure" will not provide a significant financial benefit to the Russian government, as it only authorises transactions involving oil that is already stranded at sea, Bessent said.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/buy-that-oil-us-explains-why-india-can-import-russian-crude-again-1830122

Iran’s Warship Finds Shelter In Kochi Days After Deadly US Strike At Sea

India has allowed an Iranian warship to dock at the southern port of Kochi after Tehran requested assistance, with the vessel’s 183-member crew accommodated at naval facilities, government officials said on Friday. The development comes two days after an Iranian frigate was torpedoed and sunk by a US submarine near the coast of Sri Lanka. IRIS Lavan, an amphibious warfare vessel, was in the region to participate in an International Fleet Review hosted by India last month. It docked at Kochi on Wednesday, the same day the frigate IRIS Dena was sunk about 19 nautical miles off Sri Lanka’s coast, killing 87 sailors and sharply escalating the US-Iran conflict. <h2>Another Iranian Warship Shelters In Sri Lanka</h2> On Thursday, Sri Lankan authorities allowed another Iranian warship, IRIS Booshehr, to take shelter in the country and accommodated its 208-member crew at a naval camp. IRIS Booshehr had also participated in India’s International Fleet Review and sought permission to enter a Sri Lankan port after experiencing engine problems. Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said his country had a “humanitarian responsibility” to take in the crew of IRIS Booshehr, which will be moved to Trincomalee harbour on the eastern coast. “We have to understand this is not an ordinary situation. It’s a request by a ship belonging to one party to enter into our port. We have to consider that according to international treaties and conventions,” he told reporters. <h2>Docking Approved After Iranian Request</h2> “India was approached by Iran to take in IRIS Lavan, which was in the region for the International Fleet Review, on February 28,” said an official who declined to be identified. “Approval was accorded for the docking on March 1, and IRIS Lavan docked at Kochi on March 4,” the official added. The request from the Iranian side indicated that docking at Kochi was “urgent” as IRIS Lavan had developed “technical issues”, officials said. The warship’s 183 crew members have been accommodated at naval facilities in Kochi. <h2>Rising Concerns Over Widening Conflict</h2> The sinking of IRIS Dena has raised concerns in India, Sri Lanka and other Indian Ocean states about the widening scope of the Iran-US conflict and its potential impact on seaborne commerce in regional waters. People familiar with the matter described the Indian government’s handling of the crisis involving Iran, with which India has civilisational ties, and the US, a key strategic partner, as “pragmatic and realistic” and aligned with long-term national interests. <h2>India Balances Strategic Interests</h2> The Indian side has had to strike a careful balance, particularly amid growing criticism from opposition parties and former diplomats and military leaders over New Delhi’s silence following the sinking of the Iranian frigate in India’s strategic backyard. In this context, officials pointed to the one-month waiver granted by the US administration allowing India to continue purchases of Russian oil as part of efforts to safeguard the country’s energy security. The move comes against the backdrop of concerns about disruptions caused by Iran effectively shutting the Strait of Hormuz, through which almost 50% of India’s oil imports are transported. <h2>Previous US Waivers On Iranian Oil</h2> Officials also noted that earlier US administrations had granted waivers from sanctions so that India could continue buying oil from Iran. This included a determination by former secretary of state Hillary Clinton in 2012 and another by former secretary of state John Kerry in 2013. Both decisions stated that the waivers were granted after India “significantly reduced” its crude oil purchases from Iran.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-s-warship-finds-shelter-in-kochi-days-after-deadly-us-strike-at-sea-1830121

Thursday, March 5, 2026

War Update: Israeli Strike Hits Iran’s Bushehr Base as Blasts Rock Dubai and Beirut Amid Conflict

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has intensified as the Israel launched fresh strikes targeting military infrastructure in Iran. One of the latest attacks reportedly hit the strategic Bushehr Airbase, triggering a massive explosion and a towering plume of black smoke visible across the area. The strike is believed to have targeted facilities suspected of storing weapons and military equipment. The attack comes amid ongoing joint pressure from Israel and the United States aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities. Reports suggest that the explosion at the Bushehr site was powerful enough to shake nearby areas, raising fears about potential damage near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, although the exact impact is still being assessed. Meanwhile, the conflict has spread further across the region. Explosions were reported in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates after suspected Iranian drone strikes, causing panic among residents in the normally secure global hub. At the same time, Israeli bombardment continued in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, where powerful blasts struck residential areas. As cross-border attacks intensify and casualties rise, international concern is growing that the Iran–Israel confrontation could escalate into a wider regional war involving multiple Middle Eastern nations.

source https://news.abplive.com/videos/news/world-war-update-israeli-strike-hits-iran-s-bushehr-base-as-blasts-rock-dubai-and-beirut-amid-conflict-1830005

India Gets 30-Day Waiver From US To Buy Russian Oil As Shipping Crisis Continues Amid Iran War

The United States on Thursday (local time) granted India a 30-day waiver to continue purchasing Russian oil, as the ongoing crisis in the Gulf has significantly disrupted shipping routes passing through the Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the temporary measure was aimed at ensuring stability in global energy supplies. “President Trump's energy agenda has resulted in oil and gas production reaching the highest levels ever recorded. To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil," he said. "This deliberately short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government as it only authorizes transactions involving oil already stranded at sea. India is an essential partner of the United States, and we fully anticipate that New Delhi will ramp up purchases of U.S. oil. This stop-gap measure will alleviate pressure caused by Iran's attempt to take global energy hostage,” Bessent added. The waiver comes as India faces possible energy supply disruptions in the Middle East amid escalating tensions in West Asia. The situation intensified after a joint US-Israel military strike on February 28 in Iran that killed Ali Khamenei along with other senior leaders. India imports nearly 40 per cent of its crude oil from the region, with a large share transported through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz. According to ANI, the Indian government is reviewing the country’s energy situation twice daily and remains confident about its energy security. Officials said current stock levels are adequate and are being replenished regularly. There is also no global shortage of LPG, LNG, or crude oil, the report added. India is also in contact with other suppliers to ensure steady supplies. Authorities are closely tracking developments in the region but believe the country is well-positioned to handle potential supply disruptions due to sufficient inventories and diversified sourcing. India continues to import Russian crude under existing contracts, while the government is keeping a close watch on global energy markets to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/india/india-gets-30-day-waiver-from-us-to-buy-russian-oil-as-shipping-crisis-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-war-1829981

Pakistan plans weekly fuel price revisions, WFH amid West Asia conflict fears

Islamabad, Mar 5 (PTI): Pakistan on Thursday decided to introduce weekly revisions in petroleum prices effective from Saturday and consider measures such as work-from-home and distance learning to conserve fuel amid possible oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The decision was taken at a meeting of the cabinet committee formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to monitor petrol prices due to the regional situation, The Dawn newspaper reported. The national action plan, prepared in consultation with the provinces, will be presented to Sharif on Friday. After his clearance, it will be taken up by the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the federal cabinet for formal approval and implementation. Back-to-back meetings of the three forums are scheduled for Friday, given the urgency of the situation, the report said, adding that contingency measures had also been discussed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The development comes as the US and Israel’s war with Iran continues for the sixth day, disrupting supply chains as ships’ passage through the Strait of Hormuz remains paralysed. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway, connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes. The Strait was effectively closed following several attacks on ships by Iran in retaliation to joint US, Israel strikes. Both petrol and diesel have over 500,000 tonnes of stocks, enough for 26 and 25 days’ cover, the Dawn reported. Pakistan has already formally requested Saudi Arabia to provide an alternative oil supply route through through the alternative Red Sea route to maintain its fuel supply chain. During the meeting of the cabinet committee chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, federal ministries and provincial governments emphasised that they had faced a similar situation during the Covid-19 pandemic. Barring health-related precautions, almost all the contingency actions, including work-from-home, distance learning, and car-pooling, could be revived from next week to save fuel, energy and foreign exchange and minimise financial pressure on the budget and public purses, the report said. Meanwhile, according to an official handout, the meeting also reviewed developments in the energy sector and assessed national preparedness measures amidst the evolving regional and global energy situation, undertaking a detailed review of petroleum product stock positions across the country. “In line with broader preparedness planning, the committee examined a phased menu of fuel conservation measures drawing on institutional protocols implemented during prior national emergencies to support demand management if needed, while carefully calibrating communications to avoid any perception of undue alarm,” the statement said. It said the national reserves remained at comfortable levels, with sufficient cover available for key products, and that there was no immediate cause for concern regarding the availability of petroleum products. The committee, however, noted that the situation remained “fluid and uncertain”, requiring sustained vigilance and prudent planning as global supply chains and shipping routes face heightened risk and cost pressures, it said. A comprehensive briefing was also given on international oil market conditions, including movements in global benchmarks, freight and insurance costs, maritime and routing dynamics, and the risk of supply congestion at key chokepoints, the statement said. PTI SH SCY SCY(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-plans-weekly-fuel-price-revisions-wfh-amid-west-asia-conflict-fears-1829979

Trump Rejects Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Calls Him ‘Idiot’

Following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has been elected as the country’s new Supreme Leader. The development has drawn a sharp reaction from US President Donald Trump, who publicly criticised the appointment. Trump said he does not approve of Mojtaba Khamenei taking over Iran’s top leadership position. <h2>‘Khamenei’s son is stupid’: Trump</h2> Reacting to Iran’s new leadership, Trump said the United States wants a leadership in Iran that would bring “harmony and peace” to the country. Commenting on Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment as Supreme Leader, Trump said, “He is wasting his time. Khamenei's son is an idiot.” <h2>Trump Warns Of Venezuela-Like Regime Change</h2> The US President also raised the possibility of regime change in Iran similar to the situation in Venezuela. Trump said he would need to be involved in the appointment of Iran’s Supreme Leader. “I will have to be involved in the appointment of the Supreme Leader in Iran, just as I did in Venezuela with Delcy.” He referred to an operation in which Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were arrested and taken to the United States through military action. According to Trump, the US military carried out the operation in just 30 minutes, after which Vice President Delcy Rodriguez assumed the presidency. <h2>Trump Calls For Netanyahu To Be Pardoned</h2> Trump also made a significant statement regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He said Netanyahu should be pardoned in the corruption cases against him and suggested that Israeli President Isaac Herzog grant the pardon. “I don't want Netanyahu to have anything else on his mind except war,” Trump said. Netanyahu has been facing charges in three separate cases, bribery, fraud and breach of trust, for the past five years, though he denies the allegations.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-rejects-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-calls-him-idiot-1829970

Wednesday, March 4, 2026

US Senate Blocks Bid To Curb Trump’s War With Iran As Israel, Tehran Trade Blows In Fresh Wave

The United States Senate has voted down a resolution aimed at restraining President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran, dealing a significant blow to lawmakers seeking to reassert Congress’s authority over matters of war. In a procedural vote late Wednesday, the measure failed 47-52. The outcome underscores strong Republican backing for Trump’s actions and marks another setback for those attempting to limit the president’s use of force abroad. A similar war powers resolution is expected to face a vote in the House of Representatives on Thursday, although it too appears unlikely to succeed. <h2>Lawmakers Clash Over Constitutional Authority</h2> Throughout the day, senators engaged in a heated debate over whether Congress should intervene to authorise, or potentially halt, the president’s military operations against Iran. Backers of the resolution argued that Trump overstepped his constitutional bounds by launching attacks in coordination with Israel. Under Article II of the US Constitution, the president may initiate military action only in self-defence against an imminent threat. The authority to declare war, they stressed, rests solely with Congress. Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator Tim Kaine said the administration had failed to demonstrate that the United States faced an immediate danger. “Even in a classified setting,” Kaine said, the Trump administration could produce no evidence, none that the US was under an imminent threat of attack from Iran”. He rejected characterisations of the military action as limited or isolated. “You can’t stand up and say: This is a pinprick that doesn’t lead to the level that would be characterised as war,” he said. “You can’t stand up and say: This is one and done, and no troops are engaged in hostilities against Iran.” <h2>Israel and Iran Trade Fresh Blows</h2> As Washington debated constitutional powers, the conflict in the Middle East showed no sign of easing. The Israel Defence Forces launched a renewed wave of strikes on Tehran late Wednesday and into Thursday morning. Multiple explosions were reported across the Iranian capital, with attacks also targeting military headquarters and political centres in other cities. According to Iran’s Health Ministry, more than 1,000 civilians have been killed in recent strikes, with over 6,000 others injured. Tehran responded with counterattacks, including strikes targeting Ben Gurion Airport and other key infrastructure in Israel. In statements carried by state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said retaliatory operations were continuing, describing the latest assaults as the 17th and 18th waves of attacks. The force claimed it had targeted Israel’s main international airport as well as advanced radar systems. The Israeli military said Iran had launched a new round of missile strikes. In a post on X, it stated that its Iron Dome air defence system was operating “to intercept the threat”.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israel-iran-war-live-updates-us-senate-blocks-bid-to-curb-trumps-war-israel-tehran-trade-blows-in-fresh-wave-1829821