Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:02am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday International
A Russian oil tanker has shifted its route from China to India as the global energy crisis deepens due to the US-Iran conflict. Ship-tracking data shows the Aframax tanker Aqua Titan is now heading to New Mangalore port and is expected to arrive on March 21. The vessel had earlier listed China’s Rizhao as its destination but turned around in Southeast Asian waters. The shift came as the US allowed India to raise imports of Russian crude. Iran’s move to block the Strait of Hormuz has hit global supplies. Reports say several tankers have made similar route changes to India in recent weeks. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:23am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday International
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said the country will keep fighting the US and Israel after the killing of Ali Larijani. He said, “The presence or absence of a single individual does not affect Iran’s structure.” Araghchi called the conflict “America’s war” and blamed Washington for losses in the region. He also referred to the killing of Ali Khamenei, saying the system continued after his death. Iran said it will review future nuclear policy. It also signalled changes to rules in the Strait of Hormuz after the war. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:54am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday International
Israel said it carried out an overnight strike in Tehran targeting Iran’s intelligence minister Esmaeil Khatib, according to an Israeli official. Iran warned of wider fallout. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the impact will hit all, “regardless of wealth, faith or race.” Military leaders also warned of a “decisive” and “more devastating” response. Iran confirmed firing cluster missiles at Israel, including Khorramshahr-4 and Qadr missiles. The attack was described as revenge for the killing of Ali Larijani. Meanwhile, the US said it struck Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. Fresh missile attacks were also reported in Israel. (PC: The Indian Express)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:44am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday International
Israel carried out strikes in central Beirut, hitting areas outside Hezbollah strongholds. A blast flattened a building in a busy district with hotels and businesses. Israel also ordered evacuations in southern Lebanon. At the same time, the US said it used “deep penetrator” bombs on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway remains disrupted amid the war. Iran’s army chief warned of a “decisive” response after the killing of security leader Ali Larijani. Fighting continues across the region. Two people were killed in Tel Aviv. Strikes and interceptions were reported in Dubai, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. (PC: BBC)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:30am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday Sports
The sale of IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru is close to completion, with two bidders in the final stage, a report said. One bid has come from Swedish firm EQT. The other is a group led by Ranjan Pai, along with KKR and Temasek. Other interested parties have stepped back from the process. The deal value is expected to cross $2 billion. Earlier offers were lower, but bidding has increased in the final phase. Sources said owner Diageo has set a March 31 deadline to close the deal. The final decision is expected soon. (PC: NDTV Sports)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:18am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday International
Iran has claimed that more than 3,000 US troops were killed or wounded in the first week of the war. Press TV, citing an Iranian official, said over 200 soldiers were killed and thousands injured. The official also claimed the US lost missile launchers, air defence systems, and aircraft. He said there was a “very serious” drop in US and Israeli defence stockpiles. The report said the data came from “extra-regional sources.” The claims have not been verified independently. The statement came as both sides continue to report heavy damage since the conflict began on February 28. (PC: HT)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:14am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday International
US forces struck Iranian missile sites along the southern coast near the Strait of Hormuz using 2,200-kg bunker-buster bombs, the US Central Command said. The military said the targets were anti-ship cruise missiles that “posed a risk to international shipping” in the area. The strikes were carried out on hardened sites along Iran’s coastline. The action came hours after US President Donald Trump said many allies refused to send naval ships to escort vessels through the strait. The Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted amid the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, affecting global oil movement and pushing fuel prices higher. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:17am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday India
A devastating fire broke out in a residential building near Palam Metro in Delhi, killing seven people and injuring several others. According to a fire control room official, an emergency call was received around 7 am reporting the blaze at a building in Gali Number-2, Shri Ram Chowk. Firefighters rushed to the scene and launched rescue operations, as multiple residents were feared trapped inside. Some victims reportedly suffered severe burns or injuries while attempting to escape. Authorities have brought the fire under control, and an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:26am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday International
Iran has confirmed that Ali Larijani was killed in an airstrike while visiting his daughter’s home near Tehran. The strike also killed his son and several aides, marking one of the highest-level losses for Iran’s leadership in the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate the attack was carried out by US-Israeli forces targeting key security figures. Larijani, a central figure in Iran’s political and security establishment, had played a major role in nuclear policy and internal strategy. His death is expected to intensify regional tensions and could trigger further retaliation from Tehran. (PC: India Today)
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:22am on 18 Mar 2026,Wednesday International
The United States carried out major airstrikes on Iranian missile facilities near the Strait of Hormuz using powerful 5,000-pound bunker-buster bombs. According to US Central Command, the strikes targeted underground sites housing anti-ship cruise missiles that threatened international shipping in the vital waterway. The operation aims to weaken Iran’s ability to disrupt global oil transport and reopen the strait, a key energy corridor. The attack comes amid escalating conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel, with rising regional tensions and concerns over global energy supply and security. (PC: X)