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Friday, March 13, 2026

'India Is Our Friend': Iran Assures Safe Passage For Indian Vessels In Strait Of Hormuz Amid Conflict

Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, Iran’s ambassador to India said Tehran would ensure safe passage for Indian interests in the strategic Strait of Hormuz as the conflict in the region entered its 14th day on Friday. Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Mohammad Fathali said India remains a trusted partner for Iran and that Indian vessels would not face difficulties navigating the crucial shipping route. "... Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region," news agency ANI quoted him as saying at 6:35 pm IST. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: On giving safe passage to India, Iran's Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, says, "... Yes, because India is our friend. You will see it within two or three hours. We believe that Iran and India share common interests in the region..." <a href="https://t.co/twTsE1Bjhv">pic.twitter.com/twTsE1Bjhv</a> — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2032442928254316624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> The remarks come as concerns grow over potential shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy corridor through which a significant share of the world’s oil shipments passes. <h2>Strait ‘Not Formally Closed’, Says Iran Representative</h2> Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran's Supreme Leader in India, said the waterway had not been formally closed, though current conditions were affecting vessel movement. "Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never wanted the Strait to be closed or blocked. Some (ships) are still passing through," he told reporters in Delhi. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Dr Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, says, "...Iran has not closed the Strait. It remains open; however, due to current conditions and circumstances, ships are unable to pass through the Hormuz. Otherwise, Iran never… <a href="https://t.co/pfQHGHIjY7">pic.twitter.com/pfQHGHIjY7</a> — ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/2032431010412208182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> Ilahi also urged global leaders to intervene and help end the conflict. "Those who initiated this war are the very ones who must stop it... Many people across the world are suffering due to this war. World leaders must unite and exert pressure on the President of the United States, urging him to put an immediate stop to this unjust war," ANI quoted Ilahi as saying. He also said Iran had not initiated the conflict and had been engaged in negotiations with the United States before the escalation. "Iran did not initiate this war. Iran was engaged in negotiations with the United States and was also pursuing diplomatic efforts... Suddenly, the United States, along with the Zionist regime, attacked Iran, and they targeted a lot of civilians in Iran. We will win in this war, and we are prepared to sacrifice everything we possess for the sake of our dignity and our land," Ilahi said. <h2>US Dismisses Blockade Concerns</h2> The United States has downplayed concerns about a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking at a Pentagon briefing, US war secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington would maintain freedom of navigation in the waterway. "As the world is seeing, they are exercising sheer desperation in the Strait of Hormuz - something we're dealing with; we have been dealing with it. Don't need to worry about it." Hegseth also blamed Iran for disrupting shipping traffic. “The only thing prohibiting transit in the strait right now is Iran shooting at shipping.” <h2>Maritime Tensions Escalate In Gulf</h2> Maritime tensions in the Gulf region have intensified alongside the conflict. A report by Reuters said explosive-laden Iranian boats appeared to have attacked two fuel tankers in Iraqi waters, setting them on fire and killing one crew member. The report added that projectiles had struck four vessels across Gulf waters, taking the total number of ships hit in the region since the conflict began to at least 16. The attacks on vessels linked to the United States and Europe mark a sharp escalation in the maritime dimension of the conflict. <h2>Iranian Leader Backs Continued Hormuz Leverage</h2> The developments come after Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first address after assuming leadership, called for the continued use of the Strait of Hormuz blockade as strategic leverage. “Dear fighter brothers! The desire of the masses of the people is the continuation of effective and regret-inducing defence. Furthermore, the leverage of blocking the Strait of Hormuz must certainly continue to be used.” The new Iranian leader has also vowed vengeance for the deaths of his father and others killed in US-Israel strikes.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/india-is-our-friend-iran-assures-safe-passage-for-indian-vessels-in-strait-of-hormuz-amid-conflict-1831150

Islamabad Under Drone Siege: 5 Blasts Rock Pakistan’s Capital, Airspace Shut, PAF Scrambles Jets

Pakistan’s capital Islamabad was hit by a series of drone attacks on Friday evening, triggering panic across the city and forcing authorities to temporarily shut down the capital’s airspace. Fighter jets of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) were scrambled on emergency patrol following the strikes. According to initial information available till 8:50 PM IST, drones targeted five locations in Islamabad. The affected areas include Faizabad, I-8 Sector, I-9 Sector, Shamsabad and the Margalla Hills. <h2>Air Defence Intercepts Drones In Parts Of City</h2> Information accessed by ABP News indicates that Pakistan’s air defence systems attempted to intercept the incoming drones. <img src="https://ift.tt/Ld1kGjE" width="720" /> Drones flying over Faizabad and Shamsabad were reportedly shot down mid-air. However, explosions were heard in I-8 and I-9 sectors, where the blast impact shattered windows of a building and caused panic among residents. <img src="https://ift.tt/ElqPBV2" width="720" /> In the Margalla Hills area, thick fire was seen rising from the hillside after a drone crash. Security teams later recovered the wreckage of a destroyed drone from the mountainous terrain. <h2>Flights Disrupted As Airspace Closed</h2> The attacks prompted authorities to temporarily close Islamabad’s airspace, leading to disruptions in air traffic. <img src="https://ift.tt/mHfDsz9" width="720" /> Several flights scheduled to land at Islamabad International Airport were diverted to other cities, while multiple departing flights were halted on the runway. <img src="https://ift.tt/m6hU7J3" width="720" /> Visuals accessed by ABP News showed the Pakistan Air Force placing its fighter fleet on high alert, with jets conducting continuous aerial patrols over the capital amid fears of further strikes. <h2>Strikes Follow Pakistan’s Attacks In Afghanistan</h2> The escalation comes just hours after Pakistan carried out airstrikes inside Afghanistan, targeting locations in Kabul, Kandahar and Paktika. An oil storage facility near Kandahar Airport was also hit during those strikes. <img src="https://ift.tt/oFqZS8f" width="720" /> The drone attacks on Islamabad could be a direct retaliatory response to Pakistan’s military action. Afghanistan’s Defence Minister Mullah Yaqoob had recently warned that if Pakistan attacked Kabul again, Afghanistan would respond by taking the war to Islamabad. <h2>Questions Raised Over Pakistan’s Air Defence</h2> While Pakistani authorities have not officially confirmed who launched the drones, the incident has exposed vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air defence around its own capital. The attacks have raised questions about the country’s security preparedness and its ability to protect key locations in Islamabad.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/islamabad-drone-siege-blasts-rock-pakistan-s-capital-airspace-shut-paf-scrambles-jets-1831144

Thursday, March 12, 2026

US Military Plane Crashes In Iraq With 5 Aboard; Iran-Backed Group Claims Role

A rescue mission is underway after a US military aerial refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations linked to the ongoing confrontation with Iran. The aircraft, a KC-135 Stratotanker, went down while participating in a mission connected to Operation Epic Fury, according to US military officials. Authorities confirmed that at least five crew members were on board the aircraft at the time of the incident, though some reports indicate there may have been six personnel. While the KC-135 is typically flown by a three-member crew, the aircraft was carrying additional individuals whose roles have not yet been disclosed. US Central Command said that two KC-135 aircraft were operating as part of the mission. One tanker landed without incident, but the other crashed while flying in what the military described as “friendly airspace.” Officials stressed that the crash was not the result of hostile fire or friendly fire, and recovery operations are continuing. <h3>US Military Aircraft Crashes In Iraq: Militia Group Claims Responsibility</h3> Despite the US military’s assertion that the aircraft was not shot down, a coalition of Iran-aligned armed groups operating in Iraq claimed involvement. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq released a statement saying it had targeted the tanker aircraft. According to the group, the strike was carried out “to defend our country’s sovereignty and airspace”, as per a report on India Today. The claim could not be independently verified, and US officials have not linked the crash to any militant attack. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> U.S. Central Command is aware of the loss of a U.S. KC-135 refueling aircraft. The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing. Two aircraft were involved in the incident. One of the aircraft went down in western Iraq, and the… — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2032211125882745265?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> <h3>Strategic Role Of KC-135</h3> The KC-135 Stratotanker has been a vital component of US aerial operations for decades. Developed by Boeing during the 1950s and 1960s, the aircraft is designed to refuel fighter jets, bombers, and other military planes mid-air. This capability allows combat aircraft to remain in the air longer and operate far from their home bases, making the tanker fleet essential for sustained operations in conflict zones.  <h3>Mounting Casualties In The Conflict</h3> The crash comes against the backdrop of escalating military activity across the region. Since February 28, when the United States and Israel began coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, several American personnel have been killed in related incidents. Six US service members died in a drone strike on a civilian port in Kuwait, while another succumbed to injuries sustained during an attack on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. According to the Pentagon, around 140 American troops have been wounded since the conflict intensified, including eight who suffered severe injuries. A Reuters report suggested that the total number of wounded could be closer to 150. <h3>Multiple Incidents Across Region</h3> The day of the tanker crash also saw other incidents involving US forces. Two sailors were injured in a non-combat fire aboard the USS Gerald Ford, while another military aircraft incident occurred elsewhere in the region. In that event, all six crew members of an F-15E Strike Eagle successfully ejected from their aircraft and were later reported to be in stable condition.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-israel-conflict-us-military-plane-crashes-in-iraq-with-5-aboard-iran-backed-group-claims-role-1830989

Trump Says Mojtaba Khamenei ‘Probably Alive’ As Reports Claim Iran’s New Supreme Leader In Coma

As speculation continues to grow over the health of Iran’s new Supreme Leader, US President Donald Trump said he believes Mojtaba Khamenei is likely still alive but may have suffered serious injuries. Speaking to Fox News Radio, Trump was asked whether he believes Mojtaba, who assumed leadership after his father Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israel strikes, is alive. “I think he probably is,” Trump said during the Brian Kilmeade Show. “I think he is damaged, but I think he’s probably alive in some form, you know,” he added. Mojtaba Khamenei has not made a public appearance ever since the conflict started, fuelling speculation about his condition and his ability to lead Iran as the new supreme leader during the ongoing war. <h3>Reports Claim Iranian Leader May Be Critically Injured</h3> Trump’s remarks came amid media reports suggesting that the 56-year-old cleric may have been seriously wounded in the airstrike that killed his father on February 28. According to a report by The Sun, Khamenei is in a coma and lost at least one leg after being critically injured in the attack. The report also claimed the Iranian leader “lost at least one leg and has also suffered serious stomach or liver damage.” The report said he is currently being treated under heavy security at Tehran's Sina University Hospital. “One or two of his legs have been cut off. His liver or stomach has also ruptured. He is apparently in a coma as well,” a source told the newspaper. <h3>Iranian Officials Say He Is Injured But Safe</h3> Iranian officials have acknowledged that Mojtaba Khamenei sustained injuries in the strike but maintained that he is safe and recovering. A report by The Guardian, citing Tehran’s ambassador to Cyprus, noted that the cleric was injured in the attack and described him as fortunate to have survived the bombardment. “I have heard that he was injured in his legs and hand and arm I think he is in the hospital because he is injured,” Diplomat Alireza Salarian said. Explaining why the 56-year-old leader has not appeared in public or delivered any statements since succeeding his father, he added, “I don’t think he is comfortable (in any condition) to give a speech.” <h3>First Statement Broadcast On State Television</h3> Iranian state television has tried to signal continuity in leadership by airing what it described as Mojtaba Khamenei’s first message since taking charge. The statement, however, was not delivered by Khamenei himself and was instead read out by a news presenter. In the message, Khamenei warned that Iran would retaliate for those killed during the conflict and issued a threat against US military bases in the region. “All US bases should be immediately closed in the region, otherwise they will be attacked,” Khamenei said. He also warned that Iran would demand compensation for the war and could target foreign assets if its demands are ignored. “We will take war reparations from the enemy for the war it imposed on us. If the enemy refuses, we will seize as much of its assets as we deem appropriate; and if that is not possible, we will destroy an equivalent amount of its property,” he said.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/trump-says-mojtaba-khamenei-probably-alive-as-reports-claim-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-gravely-injured-1830985

No life insurance for Mojtaba Khamenei: Netanyahu

Jerusalem, Mar 13 (PTI): Asserting that the joint US-Israel campaign against Iran is “going better than expected” and Israel is “stronger than ever”, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said there was “no life insurance” for Iran’s newly chosen Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. Responding to a question about whether Israel would target Khamenei and Hezbollah leader Naem Qassem, Netanyahu said, “I wouldn’t take out a life insurance policy on any of the leaders of the terror organisations.” Mojtaba's father, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US-Israel strikes on February 28. Israel launched its campaign dubbed “Roaring Lion” on February 28 against Iran, which was joined by the US which gave it the name “Epic Fury”, with the claimed objective of "foiling Iran’s nuclear ambitions, dismantling its missile programme and delivering a crushing blow to its regional proxies". On the topic of toppling the regime in Iran, the Israeli prime minister said that the US and Israel were acting “to create the conditions for the Iranian people so they can remove the cruel regime of tyranny”. “We are landing crushing blows on the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij both in the streets and at checkpoints – and we are still active,” he said. Addressing the Iranian people, the Israeli leader said, “The moment when you can embark on a new path of freedom – that moment is approaching. We stand by you, we are helping you. But at the end of the day – it depends on you! It is in your hands.” When asked by reporters again if Israel would push for a regime change, Netanyahu said, “You can lead someone to water, you cannot make him drink.” “We will create optimal conditions to do this, including airstrikes as we did yesterday, as we are doing these days, to try to give them the space needed to take to the streets,” signalling that the campaign wouldn’t include introducing boots on the ground to force the ouster of the current regime. In any case, the Israeli premier said that the war has ensured that it is “no longer the same Iran, it is no longer the same Middle East, and it is also not the same Israel”. “We do not wait. We initiate, we attack, and we do so with a force that is unprecedented,” he said, adding that Israel has “many surprises” up its sleeve for the current campaign. Netanyahu also lauded his relationship with US President Donald Trump. “We have created an alliance unlike any before with the United States – an alliance with our great friend, my personal friend, President Trump. We speak almost every day. We speak freely, exchange ideas and advice, and make decisions together,” Netanyahu said. He stressed that he and Trump spoke a short time ago, and the US president told him, “Our relationship is one hundred times stronger than any relationship that has existed between an American president and an Israeli prime minister. We are not thinking only about our countries, or only about this generation. We are thinking about future generations – about the future of humanity.” Netanyahu hinted at possible new breakthroughs on the diplomatic front for Israel in the region. “In these days, my team and I are weaving additional alliances with countries in the region – alliances that only a few weeks ago would have seemed unimaginable,” he added, without elaborating. PTI HM GSP GSP(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/no-life-insurance-for-mojtaba-khamenei-netanyahu-1830984

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

Trump ‘Would Back’ Killing of Iran’s New Supreme Leader If He Rejects US Demands: Report

US President Donald Trump would support the assassination of Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, if he refuses to comply with Washington’s demands, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The reported ultimatum centres largely on Iran abandoning its nuclear weapons programme. US officials cited in the report said Trump is prepared to back the removal of the new Iranian leader if he rejects those conditions. <h2>Israeli Operation Could Lead Any Strike</h2> Officials familiar with the discussions suggested that any such operation would likely be carried out by Israel, potentially mirroring the strike that killed Mojtaba’s father, former Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, on February 28. The elder Khamenei died in airstrikes that targeted senior Iranian leadership, an event that significantly escalated tensions across the region. His death created a sudden leadership vacuum in Iran, paving the way for Mojtaba’s rapid elevation to the country’s most powerful political and religious position. Trump has openly criticised the decision to appoint the younger Khamenei, warning that the new leader would not be able to “live in peace” if Iran continues on its current course. <h2>Trump Says He Is ‘Not Happy’ With Iran’s Choice</h2> In an interview with Fox News, Trump said he was dissatisfied with Tehran’s leadership transition. “I’m not happy,” the US president said when asked about Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment, adding that he did not believe the new leader would be able to “live in peace”. Before Mojtaba’s elevation, Trump had also argued that the United States should have a role in shaping Iran’s next leadership, drawing comparisons with past American involvement in political developments in Venezuela. <h2>Questions Over Mojtaba Khamenei’s Succession</h2> Reports indicate that Ali Khamenei had previously expressed opposition to his son succeeding him. According to accounts cited by the New York Post, the late Iranian leader stated in his will that Mojtaba should not be chosen as his successor. However, the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ultimately pushed for Mojtaba’s appointment after his father’s death. Khosro Isfahani, research director at the opposition group National Union for Democracy, said the elder Khamenei had made his position clear. “In Khamenei’s will, he explicitly asked Mojtaba not to be named as successor,” Isfahani said. <h2>A Leader Who Worked Largely Behind the Scenes</h2> At 56, Mojtaba Khamenei had never held a formal government role before becoming Iran’s supreme leader. For years, much of his influence came from operating quietly within his father’s inner circle. Observers say he played a key role behind the scenes as the Islamic Republic tightened its conservative grip on power, building connections within the political and security establishment despite maintaining a relatively low public profile.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-killing-will-be-backed-by-us-says-donald-trump-1830846

Over 500 Indians evacuated from Qatar amid conflict in West Asia

Doha, Mar 11 (PTI): Over 500 Indians stranded in Qatar were evacuated to New Delhi and other destinations on Wednesday, the Indian mission here said, warning those still in the West Asian country against approaching any unidentified objects, debris, or fragments. In an advisory posted on X, the Indian Embassy in Qatar said that Qatar Airways is also scheduled to operate two flights to India on Thursday, amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. "More than 500 Indians stranded in Qatar travelled to New Delhi and other destinations on Qatar Airways flights on March 11," it said. The mission said its three round-the-clock helplines are available to the Indian community to address any queries, and added that it has been giving special attention to the prompt issuance of passports for Indian nationals. "Due to the current situation, we are open on all days of the week for taking passport applications. Tatkal passports are being issued within 1–2 days," it said. It urged Indian nationals to "handle alerts and warning messages issued by official channels seriously and follow necessary guidelines." Everyone is advised against approaching any unidentified objects, debris, or fragments. Please report them immediately by calling 999," it added. Tensions in West Asia continue to escalate following the US-Israel strikes on Iran since February 28. PTI GRS GRS GRS(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/over-500-indians-evacuated-from-qatar-amid-conflict-in-west-asia-1830843