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Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Explosions Heard In Riyadh; Iran Supreme Leader Vows Revenge, Says 'Criminal Murderers' Will Pay

Two loud explosions were reported in Riyadh on Wednesday, according to the Associated Press. The blasts came shortly after residents in the capital received a “hostile threat” alert on their mobile phones. Following the killing of Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned that “criminals” will have to “pay soon for his blood.” Israeli defence minister Israel Katz said intelligence minister Esmail Khatib was killed in overnight strikes on Tehran, adding that “surprises can be expected this day on all the fronts.” Larijani was killed in Israeli strikes a day earlier. His son Mortaza Larijani and deputy for national security Alireza Bayat were also killed. Reacting to the deaths, Donald Trump said, "Their leaders are gone. It's an evil group." <h2>Strikes On Energy Infrastructure Escalate Tensions</h2> Iranian state media reported attacks on facilities linked to the South Pars gas field. In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a “firm and clear warning”, threatening the “fuel, energy and gas infrastructures” of those behind the strikes. Israel’s air force said it carried out “wide-scale airstrikes” targeting “command centres” in Tehran. The United States said it struck Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz using “multiple 5,000-pound deep penetrator munitions”. The US Central Command said the missiles posed a risk to international shipping. <h2>Indian Tankers Return Safely Amid Crisis</h2> An Indian-flagged LPG tanker, Nanda Devi, reached Kandla port at around 2:30am on Tuesday after sailing from the Strait of Hormuz. Another vessel, Shivalik, had reached Mundra port a day earlier. The two ships were carrying about 97,712 tonnes of LPG, equivalent to a day’s cooking gas requirement in India. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said efforts are underway to ensure the safe passage of 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 seafarers still in the region, with monitoring by the Directorate General of Shipping. <h2>Oil Prices Surge Amid Escalating Conflict</h2> Oil markets reacted sharply as tensions intensified. US benchmark West Texas Intermediate traded near $96 per barrel after rising nearly 3 per cent on Tuesday, while Brent settled above $103, according to Bloomberg. <h2>Trump Faces Internal Backlash, Counterterror Chief Resigns</h2> Amid growing domestic criticism, Joe Kent, head of the US National Counterterrorism Centre, resigned, stating Iran “posed no imminent threat” and that Washington “started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby”. Trump called the resignation a “good thing that he's out because he said that Iran was not a threat”, describing Kent as a “nice guy” who was “very weak on security”. <h2>Fresh Strikes And Regional Spillover</h2> Iran said it struck “100 Israeli targets” in Tel Aviv to avenge Larijani’s death. Explosions were also reported in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, with interceptions in Saudi Arabia. Israeli strikes reportedly hit central Beirut and its southern suburbs, with Lebanese media reporting casualties. Iran also targeted Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province and the Al Minhad Air Base in the UAE. The UAE said it was targeted by 12 missiles and 27 drones on Wednesday. Missile alerts sounded in Dubai, while Saudi Arabia intercepted a ballistic missile headed towards the Prince Sultan Air Base. Two drones targeting Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter were also intercepted. <h2>Arrests And Nuclear Site Concerns</h2> Iran’s intelligence ministry said it arrested over 100 alleged “monarchist cells”, along with suspected spies and individuals accused of cooperating with an outlawed television channel. The International Atomic Energy Agency said Iran informed it that a projectile struck the premises of its Bushehr nuclear power plant on Tuesday evening.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/explosions-heard-in-riyadh-iran-supreme-leader-vows-revenge-says-criminal-murderers-will-pay-1831890

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Rift In Trump Administration Over Iran War As Top Aide Quits, Accuses Israel Of ‘Manipulation’

A deepening divide within the Trump administration burst into the open on Tuesday, as a senior counterterrorism official resigned and openly blamed Israel for pushing the United States into the ongoing conflict with Iran. Joseph ‘Joe’ Kent, who served as Director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, stepped down from his role, describing the war as unnecessary and driven by external influence. His exit marks one of the most high-profile internal challenges yet to the US-Israel military partnership as the conflict enters its third week. Minutes after Kent made his resignation public, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in a video message, praising the alliance and signalling further military action. The near-simultaneous developments highlighted growing tensions behind the scenes as the war intensifies. <h2>Trump Dismisses Criticism, Calls Ex-Aide ‘Weak’</h2> US President Donald Trump was quick to downplay the fallout, calling Kent’s resignation “a good thing” and labelling the former official “very weak on security”. Trump rejected Kent’s assertion that Iran posed no immediate threat to American lives, maintaining that the joint US-Israeli campaign is aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Iran, however, has consistently denied pursuing atomic arms. <h2>Kent Questions Basis of War</h2> In a sharply worded resignation letter, Kent challenged the very foundation of the conflict, alleging that Israel exerted pressure on Washington to initiate military action. “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation,” he wrote, adding that the war stemmed from influence exerted by Israel and what he described as a powerful pro-Israel lobby in the United States. Kent further accused “high-ranking Israeli officials and influential members of the American media” of orchestrating a misinformation campaign that created a false sense of urgency around Iran. He argued that this narrative misled decision-makers into believing that swift military action would lead to a quick victory — a claim he flatly rejected. <h2>Echoes of Iraq War Resurface</h2> Drawing on his own military experience, Kent invoked the early 2000s Iraq War as a cautionary example. A veteran of that conflict, he warned that similar tactics were being used again to justify intervention. “This is the same tactic… used to draw us into the disastrous Iraq war,” he wrote, referring to the conflict that resulted in significant loss of American lives. Kent’s criticism also carried a personal dimension. He noted that his first wife, Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Shannon M Kent, was killed in a 2019 suicide bombing in Syria, a conflict he now characterises as one of several shaped by external pressures.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/israel-iran-war-donald-trump-administration-rift-after-joe-kent-resignation-accuses-israel-manipulation-1831728

Erased two names on the punch card, many more to follow: Netanyahu

Jerusalem, Mar 18 (PTI): Mocking again with a "I am alive" video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to continue to kill more Iranian leaders named on his "punch card". Earlier on Tuesday, Netanyahu claimed to have eliminated Iranian leader Ali Larijani, the Secretary of the country's Supreme National Security Council and Basij force Commander Gholamreza Soleimani. There was no word from the Iranian government on the fate of the two senior officers. Larijani had effectively evolved as the in-charge of Iran's war management following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by Israel on February 28 in the opening strike of the war, which is now in its eighteenth day. Continuing with his series of videos debunking rumours of his death, the Israeli Prime Minister posted yet another one on the social media platform X from his personal account while meeting US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Huckabee, in the video, tells Netanyahu that the US President Donald Trump has asked him to "come and make sure you were okay". "Yes, Mike. Yes. I'm alive", Netanyahu mocks, adding, "We shake hands with five fingers in each hand, you know". The Israeli Premier then takes a card out of his pocket, saying, "I'm alive, but I have this card. No, don't read it". "So it's a punch card. Today I erased two names on the punch card, and you see how many more to go on this batch", he adds. The two names were apparently those of Larijani and Soleimani, whom Netanyahu earlier claimed were eliminated in an Israeli strike. "We are getting rid of these lunatics who would like to develop nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to every American city after wiping out Israel. They ain't gonna do that. We're wiping them out", the Israeli leader stressed. Netanyahu earlier on Tuesday asserted that the persistence of the joint US-Israeli campaign will give the Iranian people the chance to take their "destiny into their own hands". "This morning, we eliminated Ali Larijani. Ali Larijani is the boss of the Revolutionary Guards, that group of gangsters that effectively runs Iran. Alongside him, we also eliminated the commander of the Basij – they are the gangsters' assistants who are terrorising the population in the streets of Tehran and other Iranian cities", Netanyahu said in a statement. "We are undermining this regime in the hope of giving the Iranian people an opportunity to remove it. It will not happen all at once, and it will not happen easily", the Israeli Premier said, adding, "but if we persist, we will give them the chance to take their destiny into their own hands". The Israeli leader has been constantly saying that his country, along with the United States, can enable the creation of a conducive situation for the overthrow of the Iranian regime, but the people of Iran will ultimately have to execute it. He said that his country continues to operate in different parts of Iran from the air with Air Force jets and UAVs. Repeating his earlier statement from a press conference last week, Netanyahu said that Israel has several surprises in store and he is holding the stratagems close to his chest. "We are helping our American friends in the Gulf. I spoke at length with President Trump on this matter yesterday. There is cooperation between our air forces and navies, between me and President Trump and his staff. We will assist both through indirect attacks, which create immense pressure on the Iranian regime, and through direct actions", the Israeli Prime Minister said. "There are many more surprises. 'By stratagems, you shall make war.' We will not reveal all the stratagems here, but as I told you, there are many", he asserted. He also urged his forces, leaders and people to stay steadfast in their resolve in order to win. "The most important thing for winning a war is determination: Determination, determination, determination. The determination of the leaders, the determination of the commanders, and the determination of the people. We are determined to win, and we will achieve these goals", Netanyahu emphasised. Asserting that Israel has emerged as a formidable power after the shock of October 7, the Israeli Prime Minister, who has constantly come under attack from his people and opposition demanding a state commission of enquiry, said that Israel has emerged stronger than ever. "I ask you to simply ignore the 'channels of gloom.' We are achieving historical milestones. With G-d’s help, we have reached a point where, after October 7, when we were on the brink of an abyss, we are now a formidable power, almost a global one, fighting shoulder-to-shoulder with our friend, the global superpower", he said, touting his country's strong alliance with the United States. "This is already a massive achievement in the face of all the threats coming our way. What other country has these capabilities? They are all under attack. Who else has these strengths of ours – the alliances, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the Air Force, and a strong nation? So, stay strong," the Israeli leader appealed. The Premier also tried to assure the population that has come under attack and suffered losses, with thousands of insurance claims piling up, that they will receive the state's help in coping with it. "I want to tell you: We will also help you. Regarding everything related to compensation, I have instructed that the framework be presented to you and that it be expanded. We will help the North, and we will help everyone in need, just as we did previously in Operation Rising Lion and during COVID-19", Netanyahu said. "We will do it even more vigorously this time", he stressed. PTI HM HIG HIG(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/erased-two-names-on-the-punch-card-many-more-to-follow-netanyahu-1831726

PM Modi, UAE President Discuss West Asia Tensions, Stress Safe Passage Through Hormuz

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia. During the call, the two leaders reviewed the evolving situation in the region amid rising tensions. “Spoke with my brother HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and conveyed advance Eid greetings. We discussed the current situation in West Asia. Reiterated India’s strong condemnation of all attacks on the UAE that have resulted in loss of innocent lives and damage to civilian infrastructure,” Modi said. <h2>Stress On Hormuz Navigation</h2> The Prime Minister also underlined the importance of ensuring uninterrupted maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. “We agreed on the importance of ensuring safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We will continue to work together for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region,” he added. <h2>Eid Greetings Exchanged</h2> Modi extended advance Eid greetings to the UAE President during the conversation. <h2 data-start="0" data-end="48">Hormuz Tensions Raise Global Energy Concerns</h2> Iran’s attacks on Gulf nations and its grip over the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that carries around a fifth of the world’s oil supply, have heightened fears of a global energy crisis. The crucial sea route connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, facilitating the movement of approximately 25 per cent of the world’s oil. For India, the dependence is even higher, with around 80 per cent of its energy imports passing through this corridor.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/pm-modi-uae-president-discuss-west-asia-tensions-stress-safe-passage-through-hormuz-1831719

Monday, March 16, 2026

Trump’s Hormuz Push Falls Flat As Allies Refuse Warship Call, Deepening Rift Amid Escalating Iran War

Several long-standing US allies have pushed back against calls from Donald Trump to deploy warships in the Strait of Hormuz, exposing widening cracks in Western unity as the conflict involving Iran enters its third week. The vital maritime corridor, responsible for roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows, remains largely shut after Iran moved to block passage using drones and naval mines. The disruption has already rattled energy markets, fuelling fears of rising inflation and prolonged economic strain. <h2>Allies Hold Back, Cite Legal and Strategic Concerns</h2> A number of key partners, including Germany, Spain and Italy, have made it clear they are not preparing to send naval forces to the region. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin lacks the necessary mandate from international bodies such as the United Nations, the European Union or NATO to justify military involvement. He stressed that Germany had not been consulted ahead of the strikes that triggered the current escalation. “There was never a joint decision,” Merz said, adding that military participation was therefore off the table. While he criticised Iran’s leadership, he warned that forcing change through bombing was unlikely to succeed based on past experience. Across Europe, leaders have instead leaned towards diplomacy, urging efforts to reopen the strait without widening the conflict. Italy’s foreign minister, Antonio Tajani, echoed that stance, insisting diplomacy must take precedence and ruling out extending existing EU naval missions, which are limited to anti-piracy operations. <h2>Trump Voices Frustration as Support Falters</h2> Speaking in Washington, Trump acknowledged mixed responses from allies but did little to hide his irritation. He accused some nations, long reliant on US security guarantees, of failing to step up when it mattered. “Some are very enthusiastic about it, and some aren’t,” he said, adding that the level of support “matters” to him. The US president has repeatedly urged countries benefiting from the strait’s trade routes to take responsibility for safeguarding it. In a recent interview, he warned that a lack of cooperation could have serious implications for the future of NATO. <h2>UK Signals Caution, Not Commitment</h2> British Prime Minister Keir Starmer struck a more cautious tone, saying the UK would not be drawn into a broader war but remained engaged in efforts to stabilise the situation. Reopening the strait, he said, was essential for global market stability, but far from straightforward. Any action, he added, would need broad international backing. Meanwhile, countries including Australia, France and Japan have also indicated they have no immediate plans to send naval forces.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/strait-of-hormuz-push-by-donald-trump-rejected-as-europe-germany-italy-uk-reject-amid-iran-war-1831554

Mumbai-born engineer-scientist named interim dean of UT Austin School of Nursing

Houston, Mar 17 (PTI): The University of Texas at Austin has appointed Dr Kavita Radhakrishnan, a Mumbai-born engineer-turned-nurse scientist, as the Interim Dean of its School of Nursing, effective March 11, 2026. This transition marks a significant milestone for the Indian American academic community at one of the premier nursing institutions in the United States. Dr Radhakrishnan’s career is a masterclass in interdisciplinary success. After earning her degree in electronics engineering from the University of Mumbai, she moved to the U.S. to pursue a Master’s in electrical engineering. A volunteer stint at a Boston hospital sparked a career pivot, leading her to earn a PhD in Nursing Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She joined the UT Austin faculty in 2012 and was recently inducted into the Sigma Theta Tau International Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame. A prolific researcher with over $6.8 million in NIH funding, Radhakrishnan specialises in "Digital Health." Her work is uniquely tailored to the South Asian diaspora, utilising "serious games" and wearable sensors to manage hypertension and heart failure—conditions that disproportionately affect Indian populations. She has also pioneered culturally sensitive interventions to break deep-seated taboos around end-of-life care planning within South Asian communities. "I am honoured to lead this community of innovators," Radhakrishnan stated. As Interim Dean, she will oversee the school’s clinical partnerships and its mission to integrate AI and wearable technology into modern nursing education. PTI SHK HIG HIG(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/mumbai-born-engineer-scientist-named-interim-dean-of-ut-austin-school-of-nursing-1831553

Jaishankar meets top EU leadership; discusses trade, global issues

Brussels, Mar 16 (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday met top European Union leadership and foreign ministers in Brussels and discussed implementation of recent India-EU agreements and key global issues. Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to the capital of Belgium, held talks with EU High Representative and Vice President Kaja Kallas and thanked her for inviting him to attend the Foreign Affairs Council meeting. “Our conversations on various bilateral and global issues were enriching. Agreed to maintain close and continuing contact,” Jaishankar said in a social media post after the meeting. Jaishankar also called on European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and said her state visit to India in January marked a "turning point" in bilateral ties. “We are following up vigorously on it,” he said, appreciating her "insights on contemporary global developments". Following her meeting with Jaishankar, von der Leyen in a social media post said the EU and India are now focused on efficiently implementing their recently concluded free trade deal and security partnership. "At the EU-India Summit in January, we concluded our Free Trade Agreement - the mother of all deals - and signed a Security and Defence Partnership. "Now we are focused on efficient implementation, to deliver for the people of Europe and India as soon as possible," she said. The two leaders also discussed developments in West Asia and Ukraine. "De-escalation, stability and energy security are our shared objectives," the EU leader said. India and the EU sealed the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) -- billed as the "mother of all deals" -- following the summit meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the top EU leadership on January 27. The External Affairs Minister also called on European Council President Antonio Costa and conveyed India's "deep appreciation" for his guidance and support in strengthening ties between India and the European Union. “His guidance and support have taken India-EU ties to a new level," Jaishankar said, adding that he looked forward to Costa’s continued encouragement in advancing the partnership. After attending the EU's Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Jaishankar in a social media post said, “Delighted to meet my fellow Foreign Ministers from the European Union today in Brussels.” He said a “new chapter” in India-EU ties has opened in 2026 and the foreign ministers discussed translating various agreements between the two sides into concrete outcomes. “Our conversation today therefore covered trade, investment, technology, mobility and defence in particular,” Jaishankar said. The discussions also reflected "stronger convergence between India and the EU in a multipolar world", he said, adding that the leaders exchanged views on the West Asia conflict, the Ukraine situation and the Indo-Pacific. Jaishankar also held bilateral talks with several European counterparts. He met German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and exchanged views on the West Asia conflict while reviewing progress in India-Germany ties following the state visit of German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to India. Jaishankar also met Slovakia's Foreign Minister Juraj Blanar and discussed "furthering cooperation in manufacturing, defence and space". Their talks followed the recent India visit of Slovak President Peter Pellegrini, which Jaishankar said had provided "new momentum" to bilateral relations. In another meeting, he held talks with his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis. "Our conversation focused on enhancing diplomatic presence, strengthening connectivity and promoting trade. Also discussed repercussions of the West Asia conflict," Jaishankar said in a social media post. He also met Netherlands Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen and congratulated him on his recent appointment. The two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, water management, and other emerging technologies. Jaishankar also appreciated the Dutch minister’s commitment to further advancing India-EU ties. Jaishankar travelled to Brussels on Sunday. The visit is the first high-level trip from India to Brussels headquartered EU after the two sides finalised the landmark FTA. The EU, as a bloc, is India's largest trading partner in goods. For the financial year 2024-25, India's total trade in goods with the EU was worth about USD 136 billion, with exports around USD 76 billion and imports at USD 60 billion. PTI 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/jaishankar-meets-top-eu-leadership-discusses-trade-global-issues-1831552